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ARDEN, Francis Hamar (known as Hamar Arden Jnr) 1841/42–1899

Born in England, son of Hamar Humphrey Arden (see below): probably received some instruction in the use of watercolours from his grandfather the Rev. Francis Edward Arden, Vicar of Gresham, whose work is very similar. Was with his family until 1861 (see above), then served with the Military Settlers, Voluntary Rifles and Armed Constabulary: later farmed at Franklin Road. By 1871 was practising with his father as a professional artist in New Plymouth. Was invited by the Society of Artists, Auckland, to exhibit in their first exhibition 1871. In the 1870s the knowledgeable in Auckland regarded him as one of the leading New Zealand artists, and his work was praised for its liveliness. Exhibited with ASA 1887. Represented: ACAG; Taranaki Museum; and a watercolour attributed to F. H. Ardan is in Turnbull.