Baker, William George, 1864-1929: Waiohine River

A scene from the bank of the river, looking toward the Tararua Range, which is obscured by closer hills and bush. Podocarp trees and toetoe in the foreground on the left, with a copse of similar-looking trees in view on the far bank, near which cattle are grazing, with a small number of sheep to the right. A steam train can be seen emerging from behind the copse of trees.

The backing board has a round viewing hole through which can be seen the back of the canvas. The painting was reframed in the 1960s by The Willeston Gallery, CML Buildings, 24 Willeston Street, Wellington.

The Library also holds what appears to be a preliminary oil sketch for this work, at G-304. Although the artist is nt identified, it is likely to be attributable to Baker.

Inscriptions: Recto - bottom right - Waiohine River / W G Baker [in red brushpoint]; Backing board recto - top centre - Cleaned and varnished with Winton Picture Varn. 25 June, 1968 [typescript]

Quantity: 1 oil(s) on canvas.

Physical Description: Oil on canvas, 420 x 650 mm (sight), in wooden frame 525 x 750 mm

Provenance: Previously owned by Mrs Louise Lowe, Peter Morton's neighbour, of Lower Hutt. Mrs Lowe gifted the painting to Mr Morton in the 1950s.