William Swainson NZ Historical Drawings
Monday, 11 - Thursday, 28 September 2023
Provenance of collection of William Swainson drawings by direct descent from the artist: William John Swainson FLS FRS (1789-1855) Edwin Newcombe Swainson (1834-1913) Son of above Lilian (Swainson) Hamilton (1865-1939) Daughter of above Ian Bogle Montieth Hamilton (1890-1971) Son of above Purchased by the current vendor from the estate of Alexander Hamilton (1932-2020) Son of above; Lowood House Melrose Scotland. William John Swainson (1789 - 1855), was a naturalist and ornithologist from England. He worked in customs in Liverpool and spent several years overseas in both Sicily and Brazil. In 1840, Swainson and his family sailed for New Zealand arriving in Wellington in 1841. Swainson drew many sketches of the early Wellington region, detailing farms, houses and his surroundings. He was a member of the NZ Royal Society, The New Zealand Company, and the Royal Society in London. This collection includes over 60 Lots of original William Swainson sketches with New Zealand subjects, some of which include Māori huts and pā. Please note all lots are to be sold at NO RESERVE. Condition reports and additional images are available if you are unable to attend the auction. Enquiries: Ph (04) 472 1367 art@dunbarsloane.co.nz
SwainsonCatalogue.pdf (169 kb)