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Nineteenth Century New Zealand Artists: A Guide & Handbook

O'BRIEN, George 1821–1888

O'BRIEN, George 1821–1888

Born Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland, fifth son of Admiral Robert O'Brien RN, grandson of Sir Lucius O'Brien and cousin to the Canadian painter Lucius O'Brien and to the famous rebel Smith O'Brien deported to Australia and later pardoned. Two scenes George O'Brien painted suggested that he had at least visited England before he set off for Australia: he arrived in Melbourne probably 1839. Became known in Melbourne as an architect, designing page 184 a number of houses and in 1851 elected Associate of the Victorian Architects. Drew and painted, his best known Australian work the “Panoramic View of Melbourne and Williamstown, 1862”. Arrived in Dunedin 1863, probably drawn by the gold rush; worked as a draughtsman and as a civil engineer in the city engineering department. In 1864 in the city surveyor's department, made perspective drawings for leading Dunedin architects. 1876 was on the selection committee and on the Council of the newly formed OAS, exhibited with them at various periods but not consistently. Drew and painted the growing town and countryside round it, probably going on sketching expeditions with W. M. Hodgkins; was a friend of painter L. W. Wilson and was regarded fondly in later years by A. H. O'Keeffe. Taught privately and in 1883 Alfred Walsh was a pupil. Some time after the Tarawera eruption in June 1886 he was in the North Island, painting in the Rotorua district and in Auckland. His delicate and precise watercolours became out of fashion, as did his drawings, in his time; but he has now come into his own. Work included Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: ACAG, NAG, DPAG and Hocken, Turnbull.