Peter’s capital view uncovered
TUCKED away in a pile of posters, a limited-edition lithograph by a prized New Zealand artist has been unearthed by the Museum of Wellington City & Sea.
The lithograph is by Juliet Peter, who was awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to the visual arts in 1999.
The print is one of only 10 and was donated to the museum in 1998.
A lithograph is an authorised copy of an original work created by the artist, often using a set of greasy crayons or pencils to draw a mirrored image of the original artwork on to a smooth stone tablet. That image is then transferred on to canvas to create multiple prints.
‘‘We have come across quite a few interesting things that we had forgotten we had,’’ says AbbeyRose Lewis, the museum registrar.
‘‘Our collection manager came and recognised it straight away as being a key piece by Juliet Peter.’’
The piece shows Wellington Harbour, with a railway along the seafront.
Miss Lewis dates the print to the 1950s, based on the history and development of the Wellington waterfront and railway system. ‘‘It’s a lovely example of her work.’’
The print is unframed, which means it has never been on display.
The anonymous donor was given the print by Peter.
Although Peter was born in Canterbury, she spent most of her working life in Wellington. She studied with other influential artists such as Bill Sutton, and was a close friend of Rita Angus and Doris Lusk.
She married Roy Cowan, who was particularly influential in New Zealand ceramics.
Many of her pieces display her interest in social and environmental issues, as well as her love for people, places and pets.
She died in Wellington in 2010 at the age of 95.