Collecting

Press, 6 October 1987, Page 12

Collecting

with

Myrtle Duff

Among the 326 lots representing the collection of Mr D. G. Ellis are original paintings, illustrations, maps, charts, lithographs and prints, many pertaining to the voyages of Captain Cook and illustrating the early European contact days of life in Alaska, South America, Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, New Hebrides, New Caledonia and, of course, New Zealand and including botanical and bird studies.

Illustrated is a John Gould takahe study, published in 1848 in “Famous Birds of Australia.” The plumage was handcoloured by a Mr Bayfield.

There are bird prints by William Fox; Turnbull Library prints, including a Jubilee print published in 1970; water colours by G. F. Angas; six numbered prints of Charles Heaphy views of Hokianga, and many other items of equal interest.

Books of interest to collectors in this field are

also offered: “The New Zealanders;” illustrated by George French Angas; “Pictorial Illustrations of New Zealand,” by S. C. Brees, published in London 1877 (an Avon Fine Print copy 1968) and many others.

There is treasure too for collectors of Japanese wood block prints — 25 are offered, including a wood block from the famous series by Hiroshige “Views of Yedo Tenjin, Shrine Yushima,” and an early edition of his series "Go-ju-san tsugi Musho zuye,” Shono No. 46, and a number of fine Utamaro prints. Collectors of early art from our home area might be Interested in another auction to be held on October 29 but a little further away. This will be the bi-annual Topographical Picture Sale at Christie’s South Kensington. If you are not likely to be in London at that time you may send bids to John Hudson, 85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD, or ring 2517. '

Among the works offered is a water-colour by Nicholas Chevalier of Sandfly Bay and Gull Rock, near Dunedin, signed and dated 1870. It is a version of the artist’s original sketch now owned by the National Art Gallery of New Zealand. Another signed watercolour by William Raworth would be a welcome addition to any collection, and portraits of Keepa Te Rangihiwinui and an un-named Maori Princess — though very much in the style of a studio photograph of the period — will no doubt find eager buyers.

Illustrated is a water colour which appeals to me. It is called “William goes to work,” and is signed by the artist, Maud Winifred Sherwood. Also at the sale is a rare walnut, amboyna, and marquetry work, “Bonheur de jour,” featuring a moa and a fern tree by Antoine Seuffert, and similar to one in the collection of our. National Museum in Wellington.