Toss Woollaston

Toss Woollaston

Sir Mountford Tosswill "Toss" Woollaston (1910–1998) was one of the most important New Zealand painters of the 20th century.

Born in Toko, Taranaki on April 11, 1910, Woollaston studied art at the Canterbury School of Art in Christchurch. He became interested in modernism after moving to Dunedin to study with R N Field.

In 1934 he settled at Mapua, near Nelson, and married Edith Alexander two years later. They became part of a circle of local artists and writers which included Colin McCahon. After World War II the Woollastons moved to Greymouth, and the landscape of the West Coast became a major feature in his art.

It was only from the 1960s that Woollaston was able to paint full-time; previously he had taken numerous part time jobs to support himself and his family.

As well as painting, Woollaston wrote, poetry in particular having been a lifelong passion. His books included The Far-away Hills in 1960, and Sage Tea (his autobiography) in 1980.

He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1979, being the first New Zealander to be knighted for his services to art (Peter Siddell being the second).

Woollaston died in Upper Moutere on August 30, 1998.

His son Philip Woollaston was the (Labour) Member of Parliament for Nelson from 1981 to 1990.

External links



Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Toss — Toss, Tossed or Tossing may refer to:;Cricket * Full toss, cricket delivery * Toss (cricket);Music * Tossed , a song by Frank Black on his eponymous album;People * Toss Woollaston;Places * Töss and Töss (river), in Zürich;Salad * Salad tossing.… …   Wikipedia

  • Philip Woollaston — Philip Tosswill Woollaston (born 1944) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party. He represented the Nelson electorate in Parliament from 1981, defeating incumbent MP Mel Courtney. In 1990 he retired, and was replaced by John Blincoe. He… …   Wikipedia

  • Colin McCahon — A pencil drawing of Colin McCahon by Allan Mollison (2009) Birth name Colin John McCahon Born 1 August 1919 …   Wikipedia

  • Dunedin — For other uses, see Dunedin (disambiguation). Dunedin Māori: Ōtepoti   Metropolitan Area   …   Wikipedia

  • Rita Angus — (12 March 1908 27 January 1970) was a New Zealand painter. Along with Colin McCahon and Toss Woollaston she is credited with introducing modern styles to New Zealand art. She worked primarily in oil and water colour, and is well known for her… …   Wikipedia

  • New Zealand's Top 100 History Makers — Format Documentary Narrated by Alison Mau Country of origin New Zealand No. of seasons 1 …   Wikipedia

  • 1998 in New Zealand — IncumbentsRegal and Vice Regal*Head of State Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand *Governor General The Rt Hon. Sir Michael Hardie Boys GNZM, GCMG, QSO [ [http://www.gg.govt.nz/gg/former.htm] ] GovernmentThe 45th New Zealand Parliament… …   Wikipedia

  • 1910 in New Zealand — IncumbentsRegal and Vice Regal*Head of State Edward VII, succeeded by George V *Governor The Lord Plunket GCMG KCVO, succeeded the same year by The Lord Islington GCMG GBE DSO PC [Statistics New Zealand: New Zealand Official Yearbook, 1990 . ISSN …   Wikipedia

  • History of Dunedin — The city of Dunedin, New Zealand has played an important role in the history of New Zealand. Archaeological evidence points to the area having been long inhabited by Māori prior to the European arrival. It was a significant centre in the Archaic… …   Wikipedia

  • One Tree Hill College — Location Physical: 421–451 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland 1061, New Zealand Postal: PO Box 17471, Greenlane, Auckland 1546, New Zealand …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”