OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 155, 27 March 1926, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR. JOHN BAILLIE

The death occurred in Wellington last evening of Mr. John Baillie, the well known art connoiseur, and brother of Mr. Herbert Baillie, chief librarian of the Wellington Free Public Libraries. The deceased, who was 58 years of age, was born and educated in Wellington. After leaving school he was in partnership with his brother for some years in a book and stationery business in Cuba Street, during which time he developed a taste for art and was also connected with the Dramatic Students, a clever amateur society devoted to the production of good comedy. About twenty-five years ago he w.ent to London, and was on the stage for a while. Subsequently he established the Baillie Art Gallery, in London, which he conducted successfully for four or five years. About fifteen years ago he returned to New Zealand with a very fine collection of English and Continental paintings, which were exhibited in one of the Harbour Board’s sheds on Waterloo Quav. This was at the time when there was a movement to infuse interest in the local art gallery. Several of the pictures adorn the walls, of the local and other art galleries in New Zealand. Later he brought out another collection of pictures for the Auckland Exhibition. During recent rears Mr. Baillie’s health has been far from satisfactory, and since his return to At elliner toil from New Plymouth his condition has been serious. The deceased was unmarried.