European notions of spectacular scenic beauty were epitomised by the so-called Drop Scene 6km upstream from Pipiriki: sheer, fern-covered walls rising on both sides of the River, with bush and birdsong to every horizon.
- Peter Ireland, Curator of exhibition 'Frank Denton. Photographer In Time of Transition', Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, 8 Feb 2003 - 27 Apr 2003

“When I became Chairman of the Sarjeant Gallery Trust I asked Gallery Director Greg Anderson, “What is the point of difference of the Sarjeant Gallery Collection?” His response was…our photography collection which is one of the very best in the country. In fact he has had groups from North America and Europe who have travelled to New Zealand, to Whanganui, to the Sarjeant specifically just to see the photographic collection. In one case a collector was making assertive effort to negotiate the purchase of a photographic work but was informed in no uncertain terms that being part of an important public collection, it was not for sale! In the 1920’s the then Mayor Charles Mackay commissioned Frank Denton, a Whanganui photographer of note who had international connections, to assemble quality photographic works for an exhibition. At the time photographs were probably not commanding premium prices and Frank was able to buy well. Like many Whanganui people I have a love for our moody and mysterious river, the mighty Whanganui. It wanders through awesome terrain from the Mountains of the Central Plateau to the Sea. This picture is of the Drop Scene, one of the most well known and most photographed vistas. However today we cannot see the “Drop” like it was in Frank’s day as the river has changed over time. I always feel happy and at peace when I am up there.”
- Nicola Williams MNZM, Chairman of the Sarjeant Gallery Trust Board, for the July 2021 instalment of the My Choice exhibition series.