End of journey captured

George Sheridan Knowles (1863-1931) The End of the Journey, Watercolour on paper, 1911. Presented by SCAS, gifted in 1956

Alongside the two contemporary art shows on view, Aigantighe Art Gallery has put together a small selection of treasured works from the original South Canterbury Art Collection.

These works were the first to be donated to the gallery’s art collection, which became the nucleus of the gallery’s permanent collection and can still be enjoyed today.

The majority of the Aigantighe’s collection is largely formed through gifts and bequests by people motivated to share their enjoyment and appreciation of fine arts.

George Knowles’ painting is one of these art works generously donated to the South Canterbury Arts Society back in 1912.

This was 44 years before the Aiagntighe opened in 1956. This is an example of gifting for our future, and shows that people at that time believed Timaru needed a public art gallery for future generations.

George Sheridan Knowles was born in Manchester in 1863. Knowles studied at the Manchester school of art and then at royal academy schools in London. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1895 to 1919.

Knowles specialised in contemporary sentimental genre scenes and costume pieces set in the 18th century.

Here Knowles has captured his subjects in a relaxed reconnecting moment. Their faces are lit up by the warm light of the fire, a cup tea sits on the side table and a gentleman’s hat and coat piled on a chair in the foreground.

Knowles has captured the end of the journey but it is one of connectedness and being together.

We hope this holiday time you can also be reconnected with family, friends and loved ones over the Christmas break to share the gift of time and moments with one another.