This miniature portrait of an unknown lady is signed "Elsie M White, 1941". She also painted the adjacent one of a girl, which is unsigned, but they were purchased together and are presumably mother and daughter.
A kind visitor who actually knew the artist, has forwarded me the following information about Elsie Maude White (1889->1970) and about some of her work. "From "Who's Who in New Zealand", 1971 edition: White, Elsie Maude, miniature artist, Christchurch New Zealand. Born Rangiora 1889, daughter of Thomas Boyd; married 1914 Robert O. White; 3 sons. Educated west Christchurch and Richmond schools; First member NZ Society of Miniaturists; exhibitor Royal Academy, London (first New Zealander to exhibit a miniature); exhibited New York Society of Miniature Painters, Christchurch, Australian Art Societies; first diploma for miniatures, New Zealand Centennial Exhibition 1940; painted miniatures of lady Newall and Queen Mother accepted by Her Majesty; also Dame Sybil Thorndyke, purchased by the Christchurch City Council for the permanent collection in MacDougal Art Gallery." "I lived in a upstairs flat on her house as a student in 1964-5. She was still painting but still life rather than portraits. I have half a dozen minitures of birds nest, bees, a branch of a quince tree with leaves and quinces as well as a portrait (not minature) of my wife which she painted 1970. I think that by the time I knew her her eysight was past its best." 566
Later, I have been sent this picture of another miniature by Elsie White;
4 comments:
I have a painting by Elsie White of a bumble bee on honeysuckle. She painted it for my grandmother as a present. She gave it to my father, and it then passed to me. I remember her as a child, in her house in New Brighton. But I can't remember where the house was. Does anyone know? I'd love to go and look. She was truly wonderful. (Paula Wilkinson)
Her daughter Patricia white is living in a Resthome in Birkenhead, Auckland. She is aged 92 I think. I am Elizabeth - Jane Patricia white , her granddaughter.
Her daughter Patricia white is living in a Resthome in Birkenhead, Auckland. She is aged 92 I think. I am Elizabeth - Jane Patricia white , her granddaughter.
I found Elsie White's address in Christchurch. It was 54 Bowhill Road New Brighton. The house has been demolished but there is a real estate advertisement for it showing the front facade and some of the rooms. Such a modest and interesting house. I remember visiting her there as a child.
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