BUTLER, Samuel 1835–1902

Famous British novelist, spent four years in New Zealand. Arrived 1860 and established sheep station “Mesopotamia” up the Rangitata River. Among his New Zealand paintings are portrait of surveyor Thomas Cass and a self portrait. By the time he returned to England had doubled his capital and could devote himself to writing. In his famous satire Erewhon (Nowhere spelt backwards) used New Zealand as background. Was gifted in many directions and as well as writing, painted seriously, exhibiting with RA 1869–1876. Work included Centennial Ex, Wtn 1940. Represented: Turnbull, Canterbury Museum, McDougall and Hocken.