RYAN, Thomas (Darby Ryan) 1864–1927

Born London: arrived New Zealand with his family about 1866. Educated Church of England Grammar School, Auckland. Studied at Julian Academy, Paris, for three years, fellow student and later friend of painter C. F. Goldie, going on sketching expeditions with him making studies of Maoris in Rotorua and Taupo. He also painted landscapes and seascapes. 1884–87 lived in Parnell, Auckland; 1908–09 Rotorua; 1913–17 Taupo; and in 1920 was living on the Great Barrier Island in Hauraki Gulf. As a master mariner he established the first public launch services on Lakes Taupo and Rotorua. Was a representative rugby player. Exhibited: ASA 1884–1920; NZ Art Students Assoc Auckland 1884, winning a silver medal; NZ and South Seas Ex Dunedin 1889–90. Represented: ACAG, AIML, Turnbull.