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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Martin, Robert
Martin, Robert, Painter and Paperhanger, House Decorator and Artists' Colourman, 17 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 144. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Palmerston North. London agents, Henry Brooks and Co. Melbourne agents, Brooks, Robinson and Co. Mr. Martin, who is a native of Norfolk, is a grandson of the Rev. Robert Steele, rector of Mundersley and Trimmingham, County of Norfolk, and great grandson of Sir Richardson Steele, Baronet, of Dublin. Mr. Martin was educated at North Walsham Grammar School, better known as Lord Nelson's School, and finished his course at St. John's College, Hirstpier Point, Sussex. On leaving school, he turned his attention to mercantile life, but was not long before becoming impressed with the idea of emigrating to the colonies. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Queen of the Avon” in 1859, he spent the first four years in gaining colonial experience, especially as a house painter and paperhanger. He established the present large business in 1863. Ever since this time Mr. Martin has been deservedly popular, both as a workman and a master. He has been, and is still a large employer of labour in the various departments of his trade. The buildings that have been painted, decorated, and finished by workmen from this establishment may be counted by the score, and include a great many of the best private residences. The old Government House, a picture of which is given on page 21, was twice papered and painted by Mr. Martin himself. The present gubernatorial residence, of which engravings appear on pages 22–24, bears a good deal of his work. When the building was firs erected, Mr. Martin hung 500 pieces of paper personally; and, just before the arrival of the Earl of Onslow, he undertook the renovation of the establishment. In the early days, Mr. Martin displayed his sagacity in securing that splendid freehold site, having seventy-five feet frontage to Manners Street, on which the business premises are erected. The buildings consist of one large central shop, having thirty-eight feet frontage, and two smaller shops, which latter are well let. A large and handsome verandah, covering the entire footpath, is erected in front of the premises. Mr. Martin occupies the central building in connection with his large trade. The shop, which is lighted by electricity, is without exception the most artistic of any that the writer has observed in this line within the Colony. It has three large show windows, which are used to good effect to display a few of the beautiful designs which Mr. Martin understands how to procure so as to suit the varied tastes of his customers. On the left hand side, the visitor is attracted by the splendid glazed screen enclosing the office used by the accountant, which is magnificently painted, from selections out of Dr. (now Sir Walter) Buller's Book of Native Birds. A beautiful glass door leading out of the shop towards the various departments of the business is also noticed for its handsome figuring and lovely transparencies. Large mirrors are conveniently placed to reflect the choice wares that are arranged in all parts of the shop. For artists, this shop has great attractions, as Mr. Martin makes a specialty of colours and art material from the well-known establishments of Winsor and Newton, and others. To this department Mrs. Martin devotes a good deal of attention, and this has contributed in no small degree to the reputation that has been gained by this popular establishment. Indeed, Mrs. Martin has been a “help-meet” in every sense of the word; and her unremitting attention to customers has largely conduced to the growth and development of the trade.