Trained in the 1930s, Anne McCahon (nee Hamblett – 1915-1993) emerged as part of a lively South Island art scene, often venturing into the countryside on painting trips with fellow artists Doris Lusk, Toss and Edith Woollaston, and her soon-to-be husband, Colin.
Anne was a significant presence in what is now known as McCahon House, where the family lived from 1953-59, running the household, hosting guests and supplementing the family income through illustration work. The exhibition title comes from a story her children would tell, in which they recall arriving home to find their mother packing away illustratiion materials from the all purpose family table.
This exhibition celebrates the tenth anniversary of McCahon House and is curated by Linda Tyler. Presented in association with McCahon House Trust with support from the University of Auckland, Centre for Art Studies as part of the McCahon House tenth anniversary.
Image Left: Anne Hamblett, Poppies, (1937), oil on board, 456 x 452mm Hocken Pictorial Collections, Right: Anne McCahon, The Obstinate Turnip (1952), School Journal Illustration. Publications Collection, Hocken Library