THOMPSON, Sydney Lough OBE 1877–1973

Born Oxford, Canterbury. Studied with van der Velden in Christ-church 1895–98 and attended Canterbury School of Art: won silver medal in the National Art Competition England for a painting of a saddle which he did in the Dutch manner. 1899 left for England, studied at Heatherley's Art School, London 1900; in 1901 at Julian Academy, Paris, under Bouguereau, but was influenced greatly by work of the Impressionists. Painted in Brittany in the holidays and in 1902–03. Visited Glasgow, exhibited with RA and Paris Salon. 1905 returned to New Zealand, was life master at the Canterbury School of Art 1906–1910, his own work at that time mainly portraits. Married and went to Europe again studying for one year under page 234 Lucien Simon of Paris, and then again settling in Concarneau for a year working hard at his technique. From 1918 was in south of France during winters and in the alps; 1920 had a one man show in Paris. Visited New Zealand 1923–24, gave some classes at times, returned to France 1925 painting again mainly in the south. Returned to New Zealand 1933, became a great influence in art circles in Canterbury and was President of CSA 1936. Visited Europe again 1937, living in Brittany for 30 years until came back to New Zealand 1968. In his last years he and his wife spent much time touring round the South Island in their caravan and settling down in places where he found good painting subjects. He died on a visit to Brittany. Work included Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: major New Zealand galleries, Hocken.