Portfolio Of Early N.Z. Water-colours

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31543, 4 December 1967, Page 12

Portfolio Of Early N.Z. Water-colours

Hokitika in 1872” is one of six reproductions in colour from water-colours by Sir William Fox in a portfolio published by the Alexander Turnbull Library Endowment Trust Board. This portfolio is outside the usual annual series of prints issued by the board.

Announcing the new volume, Sir John Hott, chairman of the board, said that it had been published to meet the increasing public demand for such material.

“We believe Sir William Fox to be among the outstanding New Zealand artists of last century, and we hope that these prints will do much to make his work better known,” said Sir John llott “The reproductions have been planned to introduce an extensive touring exhibition of Fox water-colours which the library is preparing for next year. This will include paintings from the Turnbull collections, and others made available by courtesy of the Hocken Library of the University of Otago, and a large number from' the loan collection of Mr and Mrs J. C. Wilkie, Otorohanga.” An accompanying brochure, commissioned for the portfolio, has been written by Dr E. H. McCormick, a noted historian and art critic.

The pictures have been chosen to cover as wide a range as possible of Fox’s varied styles of painting. In January, 1851, Fox visited the Godleys, who were then living at Lyttelton. Although he stayed only four days, he sketched most industriously—the plains, from the hilltop above the Bridle Path; the jetty; the encampment of the newly-arrived settlers. His scenes of the arrival of the settiers in the First Four Ships have often been reproduced.

The reproductions in the portfolio are arranged in chronological order. “On the coast near Kaiterriterri, Blind Bay (Tasman Bay. Nelson) Jan. 1864” is a striking study of the unusual rock formations for which the bay was once noted. In the foreground is a group of Maoris with their canoes. Bush-clad hills run across the scene to fade into the distance. “Lake Howick, Rotu Roa (Lake Rotorua, Nelson), February 11 and 12, 1846" is a good example of Fox’s preoccupation wijh the beautiful effects to be seen when earlymorning or late-afternoon light strikes across waterscenes from behind encircling hills.

“The Mangles Glass Valley, on the Mangles or Teraumei (Tiraumea) River, February 15, 1846” is one of the most beautiful and unusual of Fox’s paintings. The exploring party is seen on the edge

of the great grassy plain which looks like a lake dotted with islands where irregular patches of bush remain standing. “Tuakau, Lower Waikato, 1864,” and the two succeeding pictures are from the Wilkie loan collection. Taukau, one of the most flourishing Maori settlements, was occupied by supporters of the Maori King movement, but they were forced to abandon it when Imperial troops began activities in the Waikato.

“Hokitika, 1872,” presents a scene much different from the Hokitika of today. The town was founded in October 1864, with the opening of the first store after the discovery of gold which began the West Coast gold rushes. At the time of Fox’s visit the stream of shipping had settled to a steady trade. A tail-funnelled paddle-steamer is tied up beside the embankment on the broad, curving river stretching back to the foothills of the Southern Alps. Behind the vessel are clustered the quayside buildings of the prosperous little settlement. This view is repeated on the cover of the portfolio. “Powhata Roa (Pohaturoa), Taupo, by Moonlight, 1874,” is one of the most unusual and effective of Fox’s paintings. This great obelisk, long the scene of fierce tribal warfare at Atiamuri, was seen by Fox in all its grandeur. Sir William Fox (1812-93) is best remembered today for his long political career. He played a significant part in New Zealand politics for many years, and was four tinies premier, although usually for only a short time before his government fell. He was greatly interested in Maori welfare and in social reform, was an ardent teetotaller, and founded the New Zealand Alliance. Profits from the sale of the portfolio will go to the library’s endowment trust fund. The edition is limited to 2000.