1866 - 1933

Essentials

  • Art period: 19th Century
  • Top-ranked work: River scene
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Lifespan: 67 years
  • Works on this site: 8
  • Museums on this site: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

A Life in Color and History

Born in Nottingham, England, Walter Wright emigrated to New Zealand with his family following the death of his father. Settling in Auckland, he began his professional journey as an upholstery apprentice on Shortland Street. His artistic talent emerged early, and he began exhibiting with the Auckland Society of Arts, where his seaside scenes were noted for their inherent genius. Seeking further refinement, Wright and his brother Frank returned to England to study at the Heatherley Art School, where Walter studied under Stanhope Forbes.

Upon returning to New Zealand, Wright established a studio in Auckland, where he worked as both an artist and a teacher. His career was marked by extensive travels throughout the country, producing a series of seventy-five watercolours that illustrated William Pember Reeves' book, New Zealand. He also contributed work to Frank Fox's Oceania.

Depicting Māori Life and Culture

Wright became a leading exponent in the depiction of Māori life and culture. His subject matter was diverse, ranging from everyday scenes of women washing clothes in hot pools and harvesting crops to large social gatherings. His work A Native Gathering received significant praise at the Auckland Society of Arts' 1910 annual exhibition. Other notable works include The Canoe Builders, a collaboration with his brother Frank, and The Burning of the Boyd, Whangaroa Harbour, 1809, which was acclaimed as the finest picture at the 1908 exhibition.

In his later years, Wright's output was impacted by failing eyesight, leading him to cease teaching. Following the death of his brother Frank in 1923, he became somewhat reclusive. He died in Auckland, leaving behind a legacy of works held in significant collections, including the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

Frågor och svar

Hur hittar jag verk av Walter Wright i en specifik färgpalett?

Sidan Efter färgpalett grupperar Walter Wrights konstverk efter deras färgpaletter.

Vilka konstinriktningar tillhörde Walter Wright?

De konstinriktningar som Walter Wright verkade inom kan ses på artistens Alla konststilar-sida, där konstverken är grupperade efter inriktning.

Var kan man utforska Walter Wrights konstverk sorterade efter motiv?

Ämnesindex för Walter Wright är en sida som kategoriserar konstnärens verk efter deras motiv.

Hur kan jag följa Walter Wrights verk i kronologisk ordning?

Walter Wrights konstverk kan ses i kronologisk ordning på artistens Konstverk efter datum-sida.

Test your eye

Det finns endast ett korrekt svar på varje fråga.

Fråga 1:
Where was Walter Wright born?
Fråga 2:
With whom did Walter Wright study art at the Heatherley Art School?
Fråga 3:
Which work by Wright was acclaimed as the 'finest picture' at the 1908 ASA annual exhibition?
Fråga 4:
What was Walter Wright's occupation before becoming a professional artist?
Fråga 5:
In which year did Walter Wright die?