NICOLL, Archibald Frank OBE 1886–1952

Leading New Zealand portrait painter and painter of landscapes. Born Lincoln, Canterbury: studied Canterbury School of Art under Sydney Thompson while he was working in a shipping office. Was appointed a teacher at Elam School of Art, Auckland, 1908, left for Europe 1910/11, studied at Westminster School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art and later the Scottish Academy School of Art, where he won prizes: exhibited at the main exhibitions in Scotland and with the RA; was member of the Society of Scottish Artists. In 1914 returned to New Zealand and joined NZ Expeditionary Force. After the war had a period in Wellington, then was appointed Director of Canterbury College School of Art 1920: he painted portraits of many of the leading New Zealanders of his time. Exhibited in the major New Zealand and Australian societies and after 1928 gave his whole time to art. In 1930 and 1931 exhibited etchings. Work included in Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: major New Zealand art galleries.