GIBB, John 1831–1909

Major Canterbury painter specialising in marine subjects. Born Castlecraig, Scotland; studied art under John MacKenzie of Greenock. Lived in Innellan on Firth of Clyde and liked to paint shipping: exhibited with the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts. Arrived in Christchurch 1876, and set up a studio, took pupils: his first show was in December 1876 in Firth's rooms. In 1877 and 1879 exhibited also in Australian exhibitions and became a foundation member of the CSA 1881. He exhibited widely in New Zealand and at the St. Louis Exposition, USA. He died in Christchurch. Exhibited: NZ Industrial Ex Wtn; Melbourne International Exhibition 1880–81; Centennial Exhibition, Melbourne 1888–89. Work included in Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: major New Zealand galleries, Turnbull, Hocken, Canterbury Museum and Waikato Art Museum.