Upper Hutt
1890
Christopher Aubrey was a New Zealand artist, active from the 1870’s until 1905. He travelled around New Zealand painting some of the country’s most iconic scenery, but very little is known about him. He has been described as ‘the most mysterious’ of colonial artists and occasionally he would leave sketches in return for hospitality he received.
This painting of Upper Hutt is one of two he gifted to Frances Howard Wilkie after staying with him in 1890. They were passed down in the Wilkie family before becoming part of the Turnbull Library collection.
This painting depicts railway cottages, a station building, goods shed and the engine shed, St Joseph’s Catholic Church (built 1864) and the Provincial Hotel (built 1889). Several buildings belonging to the Wilkie family are also visible. Peter Anderson Wilkie’s second store is to the right of the hotel and his son Edward’s bakery and boarding house is to the left of the Hotel.
Contemporary photos of some of the buildings are paired below, with the corresponding part of the painting.
References:
https://pukeariki.com/museum/exhibitions/virtual/1896-christopher-aubreys-taranaki
https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/39535?page=1&rtp=1&ros=1&asr=1&assoc=all&mb=c
https://tiaki.natlib.govt.nz/#details=ecatalogue.56493
Aubrey, Christopher, active 1868-1906. Aubrey, Christopher, fl 1868-1906 :[Upper Hutt, with railway station]. 1890.. Ref: C-030-030. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22863370
St Joseph’s church
Photographic image of St Joseph's Catholic Church, Upper Hutt depicting the old wooden church and part of the graveyard. Title - Catholic Church Upper Hutt. Photographer - Tanner Bros. Reference: Randle postcard 35 courtesy of Mahara Upper Hutt Community Archive.
Wilkie’s store
P.A. Wilkie's second store with living quarters and bakehouse, built about 1875, sited on the northern side and adjacent to the Provincial Hotel. In front, Mrs Roland Butler (daughter of P.A. Wilkie), and her daughter Ivy who became Mrs Herbert.' Image courtesy of Mahara Upper Hutt Community Archive.
Wilkie’s bakery and Provincial Hotel
Front view of Provincial Hotel with cars and motor cycle on street. (Two cars are model T Fords.) Building on left is Wilkie's bakery, and beyond that H E(rnest) Leighton, auctioneer. c. 1916. Upper Hutt Library Digital Photographs.