FRISTROM, Claus Edward 1864–1942

Born Karlskrona, Sweden, son of Lutheran minister and brother of Oscar Fristrom 1856–1918, portrait painter and a founder of Queensland Art Society. Was entered as a naval cadet of Swedish training ship but deserted while in Australian waters and joined his brother in Brisbane. In 1896 was on council of art society there. He spent time in Sydney and in Tasmania. Arrived in Auckland 1903 and exhibited ASA 1903–09 when he left Auckland again to visit his brother in Brisbane. On his return to New Zealand 1911 visited Wellington, exhibited with NZ Academy of Fine Arts, 1912, returned to Auckland to teach at Elam School of Art 1911–15, page 100 exhibiting again with ASA 1911–15. Visited Wellington about 1916/17, staying with his friend the painter Marcus King and exhibiting with NZ Academy of Fine Arts before he left for USA. Sometime in 1950s lived in San Anselmo, California. Died at Carmel, California. Painted in oils, portraits and landscapes, many of which had a strong art nouveau flavour. Work included in Centennial Ex, Wtn 1940. Represented: major New Zealand galleries, Turnbull and Hocken.