Nineteenth Century New Zealand Artists: A Guide & Handbook
ARDEN, Hamar Humphrey 1815–1895
ARDEN, Hamar Humphrey 1815–1895
Born in England, son of watercolourist the Rev. Francis Edward Arden, Vicar of Gresham. Arrived in Taranaki 1853 with his wife and family, taking up land in Corbett Road. When forced to refuge to New Plymouth during the hostilities, he practised as a professional artist, making many watercolours often of the same view of the township. Took his family to Nelson 1860, but returned to New Plymouth sometime in 1861. Served in the Taranaki volunteers and so obtained a land grant at Tikorangi. From 1871 he and his son (see above) worked as professional artists; his style was rather more primitive than his son's. Represented in Taranaki Museum, Hocken, and Turnbull. An engraving of a view of Brougham Street, New Plymouth, is in Turnbull.