Richmond, James Crowe, 1822-1898 :Picnic near Ratanui. December 1851.

Shows two long picnic tables set out in a clearing under trees, with a large tent at the back. About 20 people at seated and standing at the tables.

The work is accompanied by a handwritten copy (1935) of a letter from Taranaki dated 1 December 1851, from the artist to his mother, describing some of the events depicted. The picnic is referred to as "the C Brown's pic-nic". Relevant text is: "The most exciting event in the last 4 weeks has been a picnic or something of that description given by Mr Chas Brown on his land 2 miles back from this house, he and his pleasant young wife (aged 17) just married, pitched their tent (literally) some days before in the dense bush and had tables and benches constructed of the boards of a house to be erected hereafter; hereon Thursday week, we met to the number of 95 visitors, besides bullock drivers, and some Maories working for C Brown, and amused ourselves by rambling about some rough clearings, the site of a sawmill proposed by C B, and by looking on or assisting in some specimens of felling for the benefit of the ladies. For you may live your life here, and never see a tree fall if you wish to avoid it, or do not go to see it. We did singing and eloquence and made a pleasant day of it. I went back again on the Friday to make a sketch of the place and scene which I want to have in the Illustrated News".

The letter also describes the character of Mr Gifford, a minister who had arrived in Taranaki a little earlier.

Some sources suggest that this is a luncheon for Governor George Grey. It was sold at two New Zealand auction houses (McArthur & Co, Auckland, August 1987 and Dunbar Sloane, Wellington November 2003) with the title 'Luncheon al fresco for the Governor, Ratanui, Taranaki, December 1851'. However the accompanying letter makes no reference to a visit from Governor Sir George Grey.

Ratanui, a place name no longer in use, was just outside central New Plymouth.

Charles Carlino Brown's first wife was Margaret Joy Horne.

Other Titles - Luncheon al fresco for the Governor, Ratanui, Taranaki, December 1851. [Alternative title]

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Watercolour, arched at the top edge, 200 x 320 mm.

Provenance: Previously auctioned at McArthur & Co, Auckland, August 1987. Prior to the latter auction, owned by the Richmond family.