WORSLEY, Charles Nathaniel RBA d.1923

Lived in Devonshire, exhibited RA between 1889–94 but in about 1898 brought to New Zealand a reputedly delicate wife who sometimes taught French. He settled at first in Gisborne and in 1898 exhibited English subjects with the NZ Academy of Fine Arts, Wtn. Was for many years a working member of the art societies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch: the catalogues show that he was in Wellington 1900–01, Christchurch 1901–15 (with a spell in page 261 Napier 1908), Auckland 1916–20, and in Christchurch again 1921–22. Made several visits to Europe and said to have travelled throughout Europe, living in many cities. Died suddenly in Brescia. Was a professional painter, mainly in watercolours, his subjects often city scenes. Worsleys, possibly relatives, came to Canterbury in 1851: in 1866 oil paintings, copies by a Mr Worsley of Landseer, Murillo, etc. were offered at a Colombo Street shop to be disposed of by art union. A Wellington artist, C. N. Worsley, surely a son of Charles Nathaniel Worsley, is listed as living in Upper Hutt 1912–27 Wise's. Exhibited at NZ International Ex Chch 1906–07. Work included Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: ACAG, NAG, McDougall, Canterbury Museum, Hocken, and Suter.