John Drawbridge Page

JOHN DRAWBRIDGE
Essay by Dr Damian Skinner
Contributions by Robert Macdonald & Tony Drawbridge

Finally, a book that shows the breadth and depth of John Drawbridge (1930 – 2005), one of this country’s most significant artists. Included in this large format book (264 pages, plus two 5 page and one 3 page spread) are abundant examples illustrating Drawbridge’s brilliance in fields as diverse as oil and watercolour painting, large public murals, printmaking and stained glass (including the Beehive mural, the New Zealand House (London)/Archive New Zealand mural, the Expo 70/National Library of New Zealand mural and John’s 14 Stations of the Cross stained glass works at the Home of Compassion Chapel, Island Bay).

The principal essay has been written by art historian Dr. Damian Skinner (with contributions by Robert Macdonald and Tony Drawbridge). With the majority of the photographs being taken by Helena Fierlinger. Dave Kent has done a magnificent job designing this astounding coffee table book. It will make an ideal Christmas gift and provide a rich reward to anyone who is interested in New Zealand art.

St Judes Anglican Church windows St.Judes Anglican Church, Llyal Bay, Wellington
Gambrill Window 1980s, Robin Calder Window 1999, Williamson Window 2002

Beehive Mural 1973-76 (view 1)
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Enamel on aluminium, 4800 x 42,000

Book Dimensions: 297(h) x 297(w) mm
(28mm spine width for Standard Version and 30 mm for the Limited Edition Version)

Both Standard and Limited Editions are Hard Back with French Fold Dust Jackets. The Limited Edition of 100 is printed on 170gsm paper and has its own slipcase. This comes with a Gibson Group Ltd/TVNZ produced DVD of “Aspiring”. This tells the story of 4 young creative people (Brian Brake, Douglas Lilburn, James K Baxter and John Drawbridge) and their experiences/contributions in 1949 when they attempted to make a colour film of the ascent of Mount Aspiring in the Southern Alps(only to be shelved because of the death of a lead actor).

The Standard Book retails at $165.00 (including GST).

This Limited Edition Book retails at $320 (including GST)

Limited Edition Book is available directly from
info@southcoastgallery.co.nz
302 Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand
T: 04 971 8151

Beehive Mural 1973-76 (view 2)
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Enamel on aluminium, 4800 x 42,000

Sea Element 1963
Oil on canvas, 1525 x 1020

The Mind of an Artist and the Hands of a Craftsman

John Drawbridge was a brilliant and diverse visual artist. His knowledge of art theory and technique, together with his wonderful sense of aesthetic enabled him to create a challenging, exciting and varied body of work. Oil and watercolour painter, printmaker, muralist, stained glass artist and textile creator, John possessed the mind and soul of an artist and the hands of a craftsman.

His passion for art and education drew him to teaching. From 1964, until he retired, John taught Printmaking and Creative Studies at the Wellington School of Design. His many students remember him as an inspiring and patient teacher.

With an artistic career spanning 50 years, highlights comprise of being invited to exhibit at the 10th International Bianco e Nero Exhibition in Lugano (1968), Switzerland, where he won a major prize for his work. He was awarded an MBE in 1978 and received an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from Massey University in 2002. His work is held in collections all over the world including the British Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Cincinnati Museum, The San Francisco Museum and museums in New Zealand.