Opening reception Thursday 1 June 5.30 - 7.00pm

Drawings, watercolours and wood engravings by E. Mervyn Taylor (1906-1964) from the Taylor family estate give a unique insight into the skilled and exacting working processes of this very fine artist. Taylor’s early career as a jewellery engraver at the firm of W.H. Worrall in Auckland had honed his innate skills, particularly his mastery of line, and ability to give breadth and depth to a design within a restricted area. He considered himself to be an artist/craftsman and appreciated being identified by that title.

The skills acquired from the observation and detail required for figure drawing can be seen applied across a wide range mediums such as wood engravings, linocuts, watercolours and mural installations.

Though only representing the merest fraction of Taylor’s life and work as a notable New Zealand artist, all the works in the exhibition attest to the fineness and dedication of craftsmanship. They give a very good indication of the extent of his vision and why he is still and shall remain such an important figure in New Zealand art. (from E. Mervyn: Artist Craftsman, Tony Mackle, 2017, Art Consultant)

Image: Title: Teddy	Image: Title: Paper Boy	Image: Title: The Two Pines	Image: Title: Farm House
Image: Title: Clover	Image: Title: Tree Stump	Image: Title: Man in Straw Hat	Image: Title: Beech Forest
Image: Title: Church Opotiki	Image: Title: Viking (fishing launch)	Image: Title: Fishing Launches Thames	Image: Title: Country Store Opononi
Image: Title: Life Model IV	Image: Title: Male Model Leg Study	Image: Title: Teddy Sleeping	Image: Title: Mother and Child
Image: Title: Male Model Head Study	Image: Title: Life Model I	Image: Title: Man with Shovel	Image: Title: Male Model Arm Study
Image: Title: Life Model III	Image: Title: School Boy	Image: Title: Dar	Image: Title: Dog, Rabbit, Whale
Image: Title: Maori Woman with head scarf	Image: Title: Voice of the Forest	Image: Title: Life Model II	Image: Title: Reclining Nude