MCCORMACK, Thomas Arthur OBE 1883–1973

Noted New Zealand watercolourist with distinctive calligraphic style. Born Napier of Irish parents: studied for a short while at Napier Technical School but mainly self taught. From about 1908 to about 1911 a severe illness totally incapacitated him then allowed him to paint in watercolour. Settled in Wellington about 1915 and studied for a time at Wellington Technical College: exhibited with NZ Academy of Fine Arts Wtn 1917–19, though it is said that at first he had difficulty getting his work hung. In 1928 went to Sydney for nine months having a look at European and Australian art; was on the first committee of the NZ Society of Artists in 1933. He held many one-man shows in Wellington. Work included in Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented in major New Zealand galleries including Hawke's Bay; a large collection in NAG.