page 19

ALDIS, A.

Born Kentish Town, London: arrived Auckland 1882 when his father W. Steadman Aldis took a position as Professor of Mathematics at Auckland University College. Exhibited landscapes in oils and a portrait with Auckland Society of Arts 1887–89. It is difficult to disentangle A. Aldis from his brother A. E. Aldis, as works attributed in the Society catalogues to A. E. Aldis are signed A. Aldis. Did not exhibit after 1889, but he and his brother listed as Auckland artists, “E. and A. Aldis” 1890–91 Wise's. His parents did not leave Auckland until 1897; whether A. Aldis returned to England or joined his brother in Australia is not known. Paintings signed A. Aldis are in ACAG and Hocken.