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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 9 (December 1, 1939)

The Picture and the Piano

The Picture and the Piano.

Miss Herford “comes into the picture again” in January, 1870, when she wrote from 40 Fitzroy Square, London, to tell Mr. Thompson that she had carried out his commission to buy a piano and have it shipped to Nelson. Here is her letter: “I had the piano in my studio for a week, and invited a large party of my friends to meet it. But alas! when fifty people came they talked so much that we could not judge much the tone of the piano! Then as you kindly wished to make me a present I have made you the purchaser of a small picture of mine to the extent of £10—the price I put on it in an exhibition here. I hope you will like it. I painted it a little while before my dear old friend Miss Montgomery died (in March, 1868), and she liked it very much. I only tell you as it may give the picture a little interest in your eyes. The piano is sent out by the Albion, consigned to Nathaniel Edwards, Nelson.”

That was how “The Little Emigrant” came to New Zealand seventy years ago.

Poor Miss Laura Herford! She wrote on the day before Christmas, 1869: “I am able to work very little from bad health. I have begun to have some professional success just lately, and have just sold two little pictures in the Manchester Exhibition.”

She did not live to see Christmas, 1870.