William Eastwood (1821-1877) and his Manukau watercolours
We can trace the footsteps of local artist William Eastwood as he journeyed about the Manukau Harbour from 1866 to 1876. His wonderful watercolour paintings reveal various aspects of the landscape around the harbour during this decade. The tones and washes of colour reflected across the paintings are still present in the harbour today.
Born in London, England, Eastwood, his wife and their eight children immigrated to New Zealand, arriving in February 1863. Upon arrival he worked as a conveyancing clerk for law firms. Soon after arriving he joined the Mechanics Institute. He was one of the founders of the Society of Artists, Auckland and held the position of President. In 1875 he served as Chairman of the Onehunga Highway Board. William later inherited money from the estate of a wealthy relative in England, allowing him, from his base in Onehunga, to travel about New Zealand and to Australia. During these travels he painted and sketched many landscape scenes.
This selection of William Eastwood’s images starts on the Āwhitu Peninsula where he would have stood or sat while he sketched and painted this fine view across the harbour entrance.
This scene appears to have been painted from a viewpoint near the mouth of Oruarangi Creek, Māngere. Part of Puketutu Island can be seen to the left, and a stretch of the Māngere coastline towards the centre right (now part of Ambury Regional Park).
This more intimate scene show logs lay scattered about on the foreshore at Onehunga, with the wharf to the right. The backdrop, an expansive view across the harbour towards the Manukau Heads, is lit with a rosy hue.
Imposing storm clouds did not deter William Eastwood from his task when setting up his easel and paints on 12 March 1876. This view, from the other side of the wharf to the previous painting, affords the viewer the unusual sight of Māngere Mountain painted in shadow.
Our journey ends at Onehunga, looking north-west towards the Waitākere Ranges and the harbour’s northern shoreline. Once again the watercolour painting captures the light and atmosphere of these landscapes beautifully.
The exhibition Gatherings on the Manukau was on display at the Nathan Homestead during the Auckland Heritage Festival in 2017. Come along and see many more images and archives relating to the harbour.
Dates and locations:
30 September - 14 October 2017: Nathan Homestead, Manurewa.
17 October - 4 November 2017: Waiuku Library, Waiuku.
Born in London, England, Eastwood, his wife and their eight children immigrated to New Zealand, arriving in February 1863. Upon arrival he worked as a conveyancing clerk for law firms. Soon after arriving he joined the Mechanics Institute. He was one of the founders of the Society of Artists, Auckland and held the position of President. In 1875 he served as Chairman of the Onehunga Highway Board. William later inherited money from the estate of a wealthy relative in England, allowing him, from his base in Onehunga, to travel about New Zealand and to Australia. During these travels he painted and sketched many landscape scenes.
This selection of William Eastwood’s images starts on the Āwhitu Peninsula where he would have stood or sat while he sketched and painted this fine view across the harbour entrance.
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| Image: Showing a watercolour sketch of Manukau Harbour with Puketutu Island at far left, 3 January 1866. William Eastwood, Album of drawings and paintings 1863-1877. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, NZ Print 698. |
This scene appears to have been painted from a viewpoint near the mouth of Oruarangi Creek, Māngere. Part of Puketutu Island can be seen to the left, and a stretch of the Māngere coastline towards the centre right (now part of Ambury Regional Park).
This more intimate scene show logs lay scattered about on the foreshore at Onehunga, with the wharf to the right. The backdrop, an expansive view across the harbour towards the Manukau Heads, is lit with a rosy hue.
Imposing storm clouds did not deter William Eastwood from his task when setting up his easel and paints on 12 March 1876. This view, from the other side of the wharf to the previous painting, affords the viewer the unusual sight of Māngere Mountain painted in shadow.
Our journey ends at Onehunga, looking north-west towards the Waitākere Ranges and the harbour’s northern shoreline. Once again the watercolour painting captures the light and atmosphere of these landscapes beautifully.
The exhibition Gatherings on the Manukau was on display at the Nathan Homestead during the Auckland Heritage Festival in 2017. Come along and see many more images and archives relating to the harbour.
Dates and locations:
30 September - 14 October 2017: Nathan Homestead, Manurewa.
17 October - 4 November 2017: Waiuku Library, Waiuku.
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