WRIGHT, Frank 1860–1923

Born Nottingham, England, member of a family of lace designers. Studied art at South Kensington under J. S. Rawle FRSA: emigrated to New Zealand with his mother and younger brother Walter, in 1877, settled in Auckland. By 1885 was exhibiting with ASA, by 1888 taking pupils, and later he was joined by his brother Walter in a studio in Victoria Arcade. Pupils from “Wrights' Studio” seemed successful in winning competitions. About 1906–07 the two brothers travelled through New Zealand sketching and preparing material for the book New Zealand: Painted by F. & W. Wright: Described by Hon W. P. Reeves pub. 1908 with seventy-five colour reproductions, and colour plates of their watercolours are also part of Oceania pub. 1911. Frank Wright is known mainly for his landscapes in watercolour. His other great interest was music: was member of Savage Club, chairman for many years of Liedertafl and one of the highly regarded Waiata Quartet. Exhibited: ASA 1885–1923, on the Council for many years; Centennial Ex Melbourne page 262 1888–89; NZ and South Seas Ex Dunedin 1889–90, winning a 3rd award for a watercolour. Work included in Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: ACAG, AIML, Hocken.