Illuminated Art (Page 1)

Presbyterian Church Archives

Photo Gallery No 15 :

"Illuminated Art" (Page One)

Our Winter 2009 Gallery features selected examples of colourful illuminated addresses, both hand painted and / or printed, as well as hand coloured architectural plans, colourful printed membership cards and associated artwork, all of which are held in the collections of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Archives Research Centre.

Although not always apparent in these low resolution images, the artistic skill exhibited by many of the artists on original pieces is quite outstanding. Cost has no doubt been the major contributor to the eventual demise of what now appears to be the virtually lost art of designing, creating and 'illuminating' addresses by hand. Even in their day, the cost of having such illuminated addresses made reflected the great esteem in which the recipients were held. Of the other artworks pictured, these date from an age when the artists, engravers and lithographers took great pride in their work, with time and cost being secondary to quality and artistic appeal. The results are now valued artworks in their own right.

We would value your comments and feedback : pcanzarchives@knoxcollege.ac.nz

Presbyterian Church Archives Research Centre Home Page

Donald Cochrane
Curator of Photographs

1 June 2009

Page One Page Two

	An illuminated address presented to the retiring Winton Presbyterian Church Choirmaster, Mr Wm. Maurice Tarlton, by the choirmembers (who have all signed the address) in August 1895. The watercolour images include a representation of the old wooden Winton Church and an amazing array of musical instruments and score. The artist is named as WE Gladstone of Invercargill. (Central Southland Parish Collection)
Surrounded by a garland of colourful flowers and foilage, this hand coloured late 19th century lantern slide illustrates the story from the New Testament of the return home of the Prodigal Son.
	A large and typically sombre late Victorian Memorial Address. Painted on heavy black glossy card with gold edging, this address was presented to the widow and family of the late Hon James Fulton by the New Zealand Bible and Tract Society upon his death in November 1891. Although not so evident in this low resolution image, the intricate white 'lace' veils and other detailing are of a very high standard. Overall, some considerable time and effort has been expended on this address. The artist is GC Baker. (Maungatua Parish Collection)
"Proposed Synod hall & Sunday School Building" : A tinted drawing, dating from approx 1890, of the proposed Synod Hall & Sunday School Building to be built in Macandrew Street (now Burlington Street) in Dunedin. While this elegant building did not not proceed, elements of the internal plan were re-used for Burns Hall which still occupies this site in the First Church of Otago grounds bordering on Burlington Street. Instead of grey stone block and slate roof, Burns Hall was constructed of plain brick and roughcast with a tile roof, cost saving no doubt being an added consideration. It was to be another 18 years before a Theological Hall was constructed in Dunedin. (Presbyterian Church Board of Property Files)
	This large 500mm by 400mm lithograhic address is a Sabbath School First Class Examination Certificate (Junior Division) awarded to Stuart Austin by the General Assembly of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church in October 1900. The address is the work of Leonard J. Watkin of Wanganui in 1894, being printed by the "Star" Lithographic Works, Auckland. The intention was obvioulsy that such a large award would be framed (as this one had been) and proudly displayed for one and all to see and admire. The image in the very centre is of that venerable father of Scottish Presbyterianism, the Rev John Knox. This address, being the only example we have ever seen, was bought by the Presbyterian Church Archives some years ago from an antique dealer in Invercargill, having come up for sale at an auction in Dunedin.
The first page of an impressive four page bound printed and illuminated address presented to Sr Christabel Duncan upon her departure as Deaconess from St Andrew's Church Dunedin in March 1915 to undertake work for the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union. The address includes three scenic views arounds Dunedin. The artist is Allan Boyd of "Coulls, Culling & Co Ltd, Illuminators, Dunedin". (Mrs C Waddell Collection)
	One panel from a series of fascinating Chinese hand-coloured panels on calico depicting the Biblical story of the Ark. The animals, bird life and humans have been given Chinese forms, including the architecturally decorative - but rather flimsy looking - Ark. These panels, which were used in Evangelistic work in China, date from the 1930's. (Rev P Anderson Collection, and given by Dr J Ng of Dunedin)
The final panel from a series of fascinating Chinese hand-coloured panels on calico depicting the Biblical story of the Ark. This panel depicts the animals beginning to leave the Ark in orderly fashion after having come to rest on Mt Ararat. Dated circa 1930's. (Rev P Anderson Collection, and given by Dr J Ng of Dunedin )
	A printed and very colourful "Band of Hope" membership card given to those children who "promise to abstain from all intoxicating drinks as beverages and from tobacco". This card would date from the early years of the 20th century and was obviously designed with great visual appeal for children to reinforce their pride in having taken the pledge. (Knapdale Parish Collection)
An unused Temperance Society (anti drink) membership card from the collection of the Stirling Kaitangata parish in South Otago. "I promise by the help of God, to abstain from all intoxicating liquors, and to discountenance all the causes and practices of intemperance."
	The first part of a two page printed, illuminated and bound address in a leatherette folder with gold tooled edges, presented to Miss Margaret Caroline Zealandia Ross (known as Zeala) by the Chairman of the Knox College Council and the Master of Knox College in gratitude for gifting a sum of money (along with her five siblings) in order to establish the John & Margaret Ross Fellowship to commemorate their parents' Golden Wedding, 1st July 1920. The Ross family were substantial benefactors to Knox College. The artist is unknown but the style and execution is very similar to the work of Dunedin artist G Watts. (Ross Collection)
An elaborately illuminated address presented to Mr R Jackson in 1908 by the members of the Weston-Totara Parish, North Otago. This address recognised a long term of service in the parish, including 38 years as Sunday School Superintendent. The Artist is SF Moscrop of Oamaru. (Weston-Totara Parish Collection, North Otago)
	"St Andrew's Boys - Past & Present" : A cartoon of prominent St Andrew's Church Dunedin identities in 1903, being (from left to right), WR Brugh, DH Rogers, TC Coull, TM Haslett, H Kenning, JG Patterson, HK Wilkinson, AG Johnson, and J Farquharson. The artist is merely noted as "SR". (St Andrew's Church Dunedin Collection) "Yes we are boys, always playing with tongue or with pen, And I sometimes have asked - Shall we ever be men? Shall we always be youthful, and laughing, and gay, Till the last dear companion drops smiling away?"
A very attractive Presbyterian Church of New Zealand Baptismal Certificate, the floral border including red pohutakawa and yellow kowhai flowers. This card, which we believe dates from the 1930's, is illustrative of a similar style and general design which had been in use from at least the early 1920's. The artist who created this distinctly New Zealand styled certificate is unknown. (St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Suva Fiji Collection)

Page One Page Two