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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Decorators, Oil And Colour Dealers. — Including—Artists' Colourmen, Carvers and Gilders, Decorators, Fine Art Dealers, Glass Embossers, Glaziers, Oil and Colour Dealers, Painters and Paperhangers, Picture Framers

page 618

Decorators, Oil And Colour Dealers.
Including—Artists' Colourmen, Carvers and Gilders, Decorators, Fine Art Dealers, Glass Embossers, Glaziers, Oil and Colour Dealers, Painters and Paperhangers, Picture Framers.

Ballmüller, Emil, Artistic Painter and Decorator, etc., P.O, Box 236, Wellington. Mr. Ballmüller is a man of exceptional attainments in his profession, having had the benefit of tuition in the Painters' School, Berlin. He began life by serving four years at house-painting; and afterwards spent three years in acquiring a knowledge of artistic decorating in the Gewerbe Museum, Berlin. To complete his studies and widen his experience, Mr. Ballmüller undertook engagements in various parts of Germany, France, Italy, and South America. From Buenos Ayres he shipped to New Zealand in 1892, and decided to make Wellington his headquarters. Some magnificent specimens of his handiwork are to be seen in the Empire City. Mr. Ballmüller personally did the whole of the decorative work in the public hall, the corridors, and the vestibule of the huge building erected by the Government Insurance Department. The style of decoration is fourteenth century Gothic, and the execution is indeed a triumph of workmanship. Nine months were spent in the performance of this contract. The work was started when the plaster was wet; Mr. Balmüller claims to work with equal effect on plaster, whether wet or dry. Seven weeks were spent in embellishing the interior of the Trocadero, the handsome and commodious restaurant in Willis Street, and this beautiful scheme of decoration, based on the modern Renaissance style, has been generally admired. The showroom of Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains, drapers, the interior of Kohn's jeweller's shop, the large organ in St. Paul's Church, and the Emil Ballmüller entrance hall and reception-room at Kinsey's photographic establishment all bear witness to the skill of the subject of this notice. Mr. Ballmüller is prepared to execute work, from ordinary house-painting to the highest form of decorative art, and will willingly give estimates free of charge. Church interiors, theatre interiors, and backgrounds for photographers are among his specialties.

Brady, William, Painter, Paperhanger, and General House Decorator, 26 Courtenay Place, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Salisbury Terrace The subject of this notice was born in the city of Dublin, where he had large experience in connection with the trade before coming to the Colony. As an apprentice he joined a large firm in the Irish Capital. Continuing as journeyman, he subsequently became manager, and eventually proprietor. Dissatisfied with the Old World, he sold out and left for Sydney about the year 1875 per ship “Samuel Plimsoll,” crossing over to Wellington by the s.s. “Wakatipu” on her first trip. The business was founded by Messrs. Butler and Brady in 1881 or thereabouts, and has been conducted by Mr. Brady solely since 1886. The double-fronted shop built of wood and iron, which is occupied for the business, is of two stories in height, and contains upwards of 4000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Brady, whose connection extends throughout the city and suburbs as well as up the country, is a direct importer of paperhangings, oils, colours, varnishes, etc. He has successfully accomplished a good deal of work on public buildings, including Government and Parliamentary Buildings, besides many of the churches. The decorating of the Royal Oak Hotel at the junction of Cuba and Manners Street has often been much admired, and certainly reflects credit on Mr. Brady, who, assisted by his staff, performed the whole of the work in an incredibly short space of time.

Herbert, William, Painter and Decorator, Revans Street, Wellington. Telephone 157. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Herbert occupies a shop with dwelling attached. The shop is a neat one of 20 by 16 feet, with a large show window. It is well stocked with paperhangings and painters' requisites. Mr. Herbert is an importer, and supplies the trade. He also is an extensive contractor and builder, and has erected a number of cottages on his own account in the City, which are well let. Mr. Herbert was born in England, where he served his apprenticeship to the painting trade in London. He worked some time as a journeyman for various firms. Coming to New Zealand many years ago, he added to his business experience in Greymouth and Reefton before settling in Wellington. He was also working at his trade in Melbourne. The present business, which was founded in 1892, was taken over three years later. Mr. Herbert employs as many as fourteen hands, and has a large turnover for a new business. One of the contracts recently carried on by him was the painting of the page 619 Wellington cab and express shelter sheds. Mr. Herbert is assisted in his business by Mrs. Herbert, and does an increasing counter trade.

Jennings, William, Painter, Glazier, Paper-hanger, and Decorator, 178 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 887. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Jennings is a native of Cornwall, which county he left early in life. He was apprenticed to the trade in Torquay, continuing to work as a journeyman in various parts of England before leaving for the Colony. He came to New Zealand per s.s. “Tainui” from London in 1885, and the following year established the present business. Mr. Jennings owns and oceupies a convenient two-story shop and dwelling as above, with large workshop behind, the floorage space used in the business being 1200 square feet. Mr. Jennings is a direct importer of paperhangings, paints, enamels, and varnishes. He undertakes general house decoating and finishing and has a steadily growing connection.

Lawson, Alexander, Signwriter, Glass Embosser and Decorator, 94 Cuba Street, Wellington. Cable address, “Lawson, Wellington.” Telephone 306. Mr. Lawson is a native of Scotland. He was apprenticed to James Cumming, of Alloa, and completed his term in 1872. Coming to New Zealand, per ship “Nelson” in 1875, he settled in Wellington. As Mr. Lawson was at that time a first-rate tradesman, he had no difficulty in at once obtaining employment, his first and only situation in New Zealand being with a firm in Wellington for whom Le worned as journeyman for about six years. Mr. Lawson established himself in business in 1880, and since that time has conducted a steady trade. The premises occupied in connection with the business are well situated in Cuba Street, the building being of wood, well adapted for the business. Mr. Lawson is well known for his ability as a signwriter and decorator, and makes a specialty of glass embossing and gilding. He has successfully trained a great many apprentices, and turned them out as competent workmen. He has had many very large contracts, which he has faithfully completed.

Martin, Robert, Painter and Paperhanger, House Decorator and Artists' Colourman, 17 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 144. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Palmerston North. London agents, Henry Brooks and Co. Melbourne agents, Brooks, Robinson and Co. Mr. Martin, who is a native of Norfolk, is a grandson of the Rev. Robert Steele, rector of Mundersley and Trimmingham, County of Norfolk, and great grandson of Sir Richardson Steele, Baronet, of Dublin. Mr. Martin was educated at North Walsham Grammar School, better known as Lord Nelson's School, and finished his course at St. John's College, Hirstpier Point, Sussex. On leaving school, he turned his attention to mercantile life, but was not long before becoming impressed with the idea of emigrating to the colonies. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Queen of the Avon” in 1859, he spent the first four years in gaining colonial experience, especially as a house painter and paperhanger. He established the present large business in 1863. Ever since this time Mr. Martin has been deservedly popular, both as a workman and a master. He has been, and is still a large employer of labour in the various departments of his trade. The buildings that have been painted, decorated, and finished by workmen from this establishment may be counted by the score, and include a great many of the best private residences. The old Government House, a picture of which is given on page 21, was twice papered and painted by Mr. Martin himself. The present gubernatorial residence, of which engravings appear on pages 22–24, bears a good deal of his work. When the building was firs erected, Mr. Martin hung 500 pieces of paper personally; and, just before the arrival of the Earl of Onslow, he undertook the renovation of the establishment. In the early days, Mr. Martin displayed his sagacity in securing that splendid freehold site, having seventy-five feet frontage to Manners Street, on which the business premises are erected. The buildings consist of one large central shop, having thirty-eight feet frontage, and two smaller shops, which latter are well let. A large and handsome verandah, covering the entire footpath, is erected in front of the premises. Mr. Martin occupies the central building in connection with his large trade. The shop, which is lighted by electricity, is without exception the most artistic of any that the writer has observed in this line within the Colony. It has three large show windows, which are used to good effect to display a few of the beautiful designs which Mr. Martin understands how to procure so as to suit the varied tastes of his customers. On the left hand side, the visitor is attracted by the splendid glazed screen enclosing the office used by the accountant, which is magnificently painted, from selections out of Dr. (now Sir Walter) Buller's Book of Native Birds. A beautiful glass door leading out of the shop towards the various departments of the business is also noticed for its handsome figuring and lovely transparencies. Large mirrors are conveniently placed to reflect the choice wares that are arranged in all parts of the shop. For artists, this shop has great attractions, as Mr. Martin makes a specialty of colours and art material from the well-known establishments of Winsor and Newton, and others. To this department Mrs. Martin devotes a good deal of attention, and this has contributed in no small degree to the reputation that has been gained by this popular establishment. Indeed, Mrs. Martin has been a “help-meet” in every sense of the word; and her unremitting attention to customers has largely conduced to the growth and development of the trade.

Muniz, Emanuel, Picture Framer, Mount Cutter, Fine Art Dealer, Carver and Gilder, corner of Taranaki Street and Courtenay Place. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Muniz is a native of Spain. He was apprenticed in the town of Gijon, on the Bay of Biscay, serving for five years. He landed in New Zealand in 1860, at Lyttelton, and for several years remained within the Colony. He then went over to Sydney, and established himself In business, which he conducted for twelve years, till 1894, when he returned and commenced the present business. The premises are of wood, one story in height, the space being about 1000 square feet. Mr. Muniz is a direct importer from England and Germany of mouldings, cardboard, and other materials used in his business. He makes a specialty of enlargements from photographs, which he executes himself, having all the necessary appliances. He colours these enlargements with considerable ability, and frames them in elegant frames. Mr. Muniz has a considerable stock of choice mouldings from which he makes very fine picture frames. He has a large variety of paintings, all splendidly mounted in handsome frames, and may be relied upon to furnish good value at all times. Besides doing a considerable local trade, Mr. Muniz does business in various other parts of the Colony.

Nicol and Petherick (William Nicol), Paper-hangers, Painters, Glaziers, and Decorators, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand (I'e Aro Branch). Private residence, 19 Rhodes Street. Mr. Nicol is a native of the Colony. He was apprenticed to Mr. James Graham, of Nelson, and completed his term in 1886. Soon afterwards he removed to Wellington, where he worked at his trade for several years. The present page 620 business was established by Mr. Nicol in conjunction with Mr. Walter Petherick in 1891, and has been steadily growing ever since. The founders of the business continued in partnership until the 1st of February, 1896, when Mr. Petherick retired, Mr. Nicol carrying on solely. The premises are well situated in Courtenay Place the building being of wood, two stories in height, and affording a floorage space of about 1500 square feet. Mr. Nicol is a direct importer of paperhangings and other goods, and makes a specialty of general house furnishing and decorating, as well as sign-writing. From eight to ten hands are employed in connection with the business.

Roberts, Samuel, Artist and Signwriter, Barker Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Roberts was born in Cornwall in 1869, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1874, in the ship “Conflict” After landing in Wellington, Mr. Roberts, senr., went to work at his trade as grainer and decorator. Samuel went to school first at Te Aro and then at Mount Cook. He had a distinguished career, gaining fourteen prizes for mapping, drawing, and neatness and style in keeping exercise books. Upon leaving school, he took up his present profession. After serving a five years apprenticeship with a leading Wellington decorative artist, he commenced for himself. At his freehold residence in Barker Street, Mr. Roberts has a large and well-arranged studio. His collection of oil paintings, landscapes, and marine studies, all his own work, is a most pleasing one. Mr. Roberts paints pictures for his own pleasure, and seldom exhibits. As a sign-writer, he has a high reputation. His advertising drop act, the first used at the Wellington Opera House, was generally acknowledged to be a great work of art. In addition to this he has executed numerous pieces of work of equal quality and excellence. In athletics Mr. Roberts has also excelled. As a member first of the Star and at present of the Phœnix Cricket Clubs, he has become prominent. He is chairman of the latter Club's Committee, and has played in its senior eleven for nine years continuously. In 1880 he won the Mayor's silver trophy for the best bowling average. The Club's silver cup for the highest individual score was won by him, with 69 runs, in 1891, and in 1893 he gained the Club's silver cup for the highest batting average. Mr. Roberts played for Wellington against the second English team that visited New Zealand, and was a member of the Phœnix Club's team that won 24 consecutive matches. Mr. Roberts, is married, and has one child.

Tingey, R. and E. (Richard Tingey and Edward Tingey), Painters, Paperhangers, and Importers, Oil, Colour, and Glass Warehouse, Manners Street, Wellington. Branches at Wanganui and Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Tingey, Wellington.” Telephone 437. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence of Mr. Richard Tingey (resident partner), Cambridge Terrace. Messrs. R. and E. Tingey began business in Wanganui in 1868, and in 1889 extended their operations to Wellington, where they purchased the business of Mr. McAlpine. Since then, they have opened in Palmerston North. In each of these places they conduct a large business. Mr. Richard Tingey lives in Wellington and Mr. Edward Tingey in Wanganui, while the Palmerston branch is in the charge of an experienced manager. The two-story premises in Manners Street, with a frontage of fifty-two feet, are the freehold of the firm. Messrs. R. and E. Tingey are direct importers of everything in their several lines, and, having three good businesses, they are able to import in very large quantities. The other branches are referred to further on in this volume.

Tustin and Godber (William George Tustin, J.P., and George Edward Godber), Painters, Paperhangers and Decoratcrs, 80 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 134. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr. Tustin, Willis Street; Mr. Godber, 53 Pirie Street. Established in 1860 by the late Mr. William Tustin, father of the senior partner, the business has been conducted by the firm since 1893. The two-story brick building occupied, affords some four thousand square feet of floorage space. Messrs. Tustin and Godber import all descriptions of paperhangings, paints, oils, and other materials required in the business, which extends throughout the provincial district of Wellington. From eight to thirty hands are employed as required.

Wickens and Son (Frederick William Wickens), Picture Framers, Fine Art Dealers, Mount Cutters, and Artists' Colourmen, 77 Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The proprietor of this business, who was born in Kent, England, served his apprenticeship to the trade in the Colony, the business being established in March, 1893. The premises occupied—a two-story building of wood and iron—contain over 3000 square feet of floorage space. The shop is stocked with a great variety of art pictures—many of which are elegantly framed,- a choice assortment of artists' colours and material, from the well-known firm of Windsor and Newton, and many other ornamental and useful articles. Messrs. Wickens and Son import from the best markets, and keep an up-to-date stock, undertaking picture framing and mounting in every style. This business extends throughout the North Island, and to a portion of the South Island, including the West Coast. Mr. Wickens is interested in the volunteer movement, having been a member of the Wellington City Rifles for the past five years. In aquatics, he belongs to the Wellington Rowing Club, He is associated with the Druids order, and has been a member of the local Lodge for about six years.

Wright, McGregor, and Co. (McGregor B. Wright and George B. Wright), Fine Art Dealers, Colourmen, Picture Framers, Carvers, and Gilders, 129 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 656. Bankers, National Bank of New Zeaalnd. Private residences: Mr. McGregor Wright, Sydney Street; Mr. George Wright, Tinakori Road. Both partners are natives of Scotland, and were apprenticed to Hay and Lyall, Queen's gilders for Scotland, in Aberdeen. Here they had splend d opportunities to learn everything connected with the trade, and both partners gave such good heed and close attention to their duties that they were respectively elected members of the society of carvers and gilders of Scotland. Mr. McGregor Wright completed his term in 1882, and in the following year set sail for New Zealand. He came by the steamer “British King” on her first voyage, this being the first direct steamer to come to the Colony. Mr. George Wright, who completed his full term of seven years with Messrs. Hay and Lyall in 1878, continued with the latter firm as a journeyman for a further period of seven years. Afterwards he was for some time working at his trade in Edinburgh, and also in Belfast. In 1888 he decided to join his brother in the business in New Zealand, and with that object came out to the Colony per s.s. “Ionic.” The firm continued the Duxedin business for seven years, eventually deciding to concentrate themselves in the Empire City. Messrs. McGregor Wright and Co. are direct importers of picture-frames, mouldings, artists' colours, engravings; and etchings. They have established connections with the best publishing houses in England, so that they receive shipments of the latest engravings, photo-gravures, and etchings at the earliest possible moment. By this means they always have something new and beautiful on hand. page 621
Mr. McGregor B. Wright.   Mr. George B. Wright.

Mr. McGregor B. Wright.   Mr. George B. Wright.

A choice selection of these goods may be inspected in the handsome show-window of the firm fronting Lambton Quay. The walls, stande; and show-cases within contain a large assortment of works of art, there being many pictures by local artists, representing the grand and beautiful scenery of the Colony, as well as some of our prominent statesmen and citizens. The firm make a specialty of Windsor and Newton's colours and artists' materials from this well-known house. They keep a large stock of every line, so that artists and students may at all times rely upon having a good selection to choose from. For this purpose they keep a large stock of handsome mouldings specially selected for the colonial trade. They hold a special appointment as picture framers, carvers, and gilders to His Exelleney the Earl of Glasgow, and two former governors—Sir W. Jervois and Lord Onslow. The well-known establishment of Messrs. MeGregor Wright and Co. is a general rendezvous for local artists and lovers of art. The firm have unrivalled facilities for disposing of the productions of New Zealand artists in all cases where the pictures themselves are worthy of admiration; and, as Messrs. Wright and Co. lay themselves out specially to bring buyers and sellers together, all who favour the firm with their patronage may rely upon receiving every eonsideration and attention. The premises occupied are most central, and occupy a prominent position on the Quay. The picture given above of the partners is true to life, being reproduced from a photograph by Kinsey.

Other Decorators, Etc.

Avery, Joseph, Painter and Storekeeper, 5 Ellice Street.

Ballinger, Joseph W., Painter, Glazier, and Paperhanger, Hankey Street. Established 1878.

Barron, Charles James, Signwriter and Decorator, Willis Street.

Beadnall. Thomas, Carver and Gilder, Harbour Street. Private residence, Wordsworth Street. Established 1880.

Bloom, Jacob., Painter and Decorator, Abel Smith Street.

Butler, Fred., Painter and Paperhanger, 11 Taranaki Place. Established 1874.

Cannon, Edward, Signwriter, 8 Taranaki Street. Established 1879.

Clarke, Alexander, Painter, Paperhanger, and Grainer, Rhodes Street. Established 1890.

Cutler, Edward Thos., Painter and Decorator, Normanby Street. Estab. 1875.

Dixon and Herron, Painters, Paperhangers, and Decorators, Garrett Street. Established 1894.

Evans, J. W., Paperhanger, Painter, and Signwriter, Cuba Street. Estab. 1874

Everitt, Arthur, Decorator and Picture Frame Maker, 22 Cuba Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Brooklyn. Established 1890.

Garnham, Robert, Painter and Decorator, Maarama Crescent.

Hancock, Joseph, Painter and Decorator, Wordsworth Street. Established 1875.

Hook, William, Painter, Martin Street.

Hull, Thomas, Painter and Decorator, 14 Molesworth Street. Private residence, 153 Upper Willis Street. Established 1876.

Jackson, Sidney, Painter and Picture Framer, 76 Cuba Street. Established 1894.

James, Charles Robert, Painter, Knigge's Avenue.

McAlpine, James, Painter and Paperhanger, Nairn Street. Established 1880

McCumiskey, Peter, Painter and Decorator, Drummond Street, Newtown. Established 1880.

Mackinlay, James Samuel, Painter, Cottleville Terrace.

Matthews, Alfred, Painter, 79 Ingestre Street.

Neville and Smith (Herbert Neville and John C. Smith), Decorators and Signwriters, 40 Lambton Quay. Established 1896.

O'Doran, L., Signwriter, 83 Manners Street.

Parker and Mann (Alfred John Parker), Painters and Decorators, Cuba Street. Established 1894.

Rennie, William Frederick, Signwriter, 25 Webb Street.

Scraggs. Thomas Jax, Painter. Paperhanger, and Glazier, Riddiford Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885.

Tinney and Bethell (John Tinney), Painters, etc., Molesworth Street.

Tustin. J. D., Painter, Paperhanger and Decorator, Willis Street.

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