BALLANTYNE, Kenneth Morrin 1885–1961

Born Gisborne, son of R. W. S. Ballantyne (q.v.); educated Auckland Grammar School. Began to train as lawyer but changed to art; took lessons in design and figure drawing with Harry Wallace (q.v.) at Auckland Technical College and painting with C. F. Goldie (q.v.) while working as map draughtsman in Survey Dept. Exhibited ASA 1906–10. When father moved to Wellington 1910/11 first worked as draughtsman then as political cartoonist for Free Lance; studied art at Wellington Technical College and soon joined the Silverstream group then led by Nugent Welch. Exhibited NZ Acad Fine Arts Wtn 1911–13. In 1914 see off for U.S.A. with brother Ainslie; studied at Chicago Art Institute and worked as illustrator. Married New Zealander 1918 and left Institute. In 1922 went to work for same firm in New York, then joined a group of independent artists. Went to Europe with brother 1926 to study art galleries and page 32 visited New Zealand on way back to States. Took deep interest in Greek art and ‘riddle’ of Parthenon, and was still writing on this subject when he died in Port Washington, New York. Painted oils and watercolours but became known for woodcuts, etchings, and for experimental monotypes. Work included in Centennial Ex Wtn. Represented in McDougall.