Chance to see rare ‘magic’ naval sketches

An exhibition of rare naval sketches will be back on display bigger and better, this time at a Petone art gallery.

‘‘People know about letters and medals from the war but they have been hoping to find some art,’’ exhibition organiser Claire Clark said.

’’We found some so we are showing it.’’

Until an exhibition last year of four New Zealanders at St Paul’s, she said, no one knew there was any naval art work

AHOY! WWI Naval Artists Lieutenants Esmond and Hal Atkinson at Alfred Memelink Gallery will feature two of those artists.

The exhibition, from a private collection, will coincide with the Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th anniversary.

It will show artwork by the Atkinson brothers, Esmond and Hal, of York Bay, Wellington, who from 1916-1918 served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve on patrol in the English Channel and the North Sea.

Some of the 80 sketches, including those drawn on Navy stationary with ‘‘Top Secret’’ written on the back, were quite small.

’’It’s not the size that matters, it’s the magic of what is on it,’’ Clark said.

The exhibition will also include ship models.

Visitors may also view an exhibition of contemporary art for sale in the ‘‘Salute Wellington’’ exhibition. Entry to the exhibition is free. AnotherWW1event is planned for Petone.

The Wreath Laying in the WavesWW1Remembrance event is a citizens’ service being held at Petone Beach to remember those who fought and died at sea during WWI.

It will be held on November 13, 1.30pm at TS Tamatoa beside Petone Wharf.

* AHOY! WWINaval Artists Lieutenants Esmond and Hal Atkinson

at Alfred Memelink Gallery in Petone will run from November 3 – November 23 from 10am to 5:pm.