02/06/2011
PrimitIve Methodists, W.H.Y. Titcomb [MET 64/2/2]
Recently accessioned in the Methodist Archive at the Library is this print of W.H.Y.Titcomb’s acclaimed work, Primitive Methodists. Titcomb, a figurative oil painter, was particularly known for his depictions of Cornish fisherfolk. His painting, the full title of which is Primitive Methodists at Prayer, was first displayed at the Dudley Museum and Art Gallery in 1889. It won many international medals and was the first of three paintings that Titcomb completed of the Primitive Methodist congregation of St. Ives. The Primitive Methodists movement was formed in Great Britain in 1810, with the Primitive Methodist Connecxion beginning its work in New Zealand in 1844 under the direction of the Rev. Robert Ward. In 1913 the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist Churches prepared a “Basis of Union” and the first united Conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand was opened on February 16, 1913.
25/01/2011
Water colour of early St John’s College building
This watercolour of the original Selwyn stone building is signed F.B. Good, Nov 3rd 1877. Fanny Bertha Good who this is presumed to be, is better known as a botanical artist. It is probable that she painted the scene during a visit to the College on that date. (Archives ref KIN194). The Warden of the time was the Rev’d P.T. Williams, who had a young family. College life of that era as described in Davidson’s Selwyn’s Legacy, suggests a time of community, visitors and sports.
16/06/2010
John Kinder and St Kevens
Auckland from the Karangahape Road May 1856
John Kinder, best known for his photography and water colours of New Zealand landscape, came to New Zealand selected by Bishop GA Selwyn as Headmaster of the Church of England Grammar School in Parnell, Auckland. We hold five of Kinder’s watercolours: four of St John’s College, and a fifth one of Ruapehu and Tongariro. We also have two rather lovely pen and ink sketches done on ordinary letter writing blue/grey paper. The one illustrated here is titled ‘Auckland from the Karangahape Road. May 1856’. This is the home that John Kinder first lived in, in Karangahape Road, Auckland on his arrival in New Zealand in the spring of 1855, and where the first classes for the Church of England Grammar School were held.
By 1857, Kinder had married Celia Brown (daughter of Archdeacon Brown of Tauranga), and moved to the newly completed headmaster’s residence at no. 2 Ayr Street.
St Keven’s, originally known as ‘Mr Keven’s’ was named after Mr Thomas Keven, a bootmaker, and later became known as ‘St Keven’s’. Today, the St Kevin’s Arcade in Karangahape Road Auckland is on the same site.
