Avril Elizabeth Zanders (née Baker; 2 April 1913 – 21 June 2009), generally known as Beth Zanders, was a New Zealand artist.[1][2]

Beth Zanders
Born
Avril Elizabeth Baker

(1913-04-02)2 April 1913
Christchurch, New Zealand
Died21 June 2009(2009-06-21) (aged 96)
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Known forPainting
Spouse
John Alexander Niblock
(m. 1933; died 1943)
Douglas William Alfred Zanders
(m. 1949, died)

Career edit

Zanders painted primarily in oils, often still life or portraits. Notable works include: Magnolia (1950).[3]

Her inclusion in W. A. Sutton's painting Homage to Frances Hodgkins (1951) highlights her involvement in the art community of Canterbury. The painting referenced the 'Pleasure Garden controversy' in which the art world of Christchurch was divided between proponents of so-called 'modern painting' and conservative forces.[4][5] She is depicted alongside fellow artists Doris Lusk (also known as Doris Holland), Colin McCahon, Heathcote Helmore, Margaret Frankel, Rene Lonsdale, Alan Brassington, Olivia Spencer Bower, and John Oakley.[6]

Exhibitions edit

Zanders exhibited with the Canterbury Society of Arts[7] and the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts.[8] She was a member of The Group[9][10] and was included in their exhibitions in 1949;[11] 1950;[12] 1951;[13] 1952.[14]

Personal life edit

 
Headstone, St Peter's Church, Petersham

Born Avril Elizabeth Baker, she married John Alexander Niblock in 1933 (divorcing in 1943) and married Douglas William Alfred Zanders in 1949.[1] They are both buried in St Peter's Church, Petersham.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Beth Zanders". findnzartists.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  2. ^ "Beth Zanders". Auckland Art Gallery. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  3. ^ "Magnolia". Auckland Art Gallery. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  4. ^ Simpson, Peter (2016). Bloomsbury South: The Arts in Christchurch 1933–1953. Auckland University Press.
  5. ^ "The Robert McDougall Art Gallery Bulletin 15 (March/April 1981)". christchurchartgallery.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  6. ^ "From the Archives: The 'Pleasure Garden' Incident at Christchurch". Pantograph Punch. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  7. ^ "Artists exhibited with Canterbury Society of Arts". findnzartists.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  8. ^ "Artists exhibited with New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts". findnzartists.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  9. ^ "Artists exhibited with The Group". findnzartists.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  10. ^ "The Group 1927 – 1977: an annotated bibliography – Heritage – Christchurch City Libraries". christchurchcitylibraries.com. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  11. ^ "The Group 1949". christchurchartgallery.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  12. ^ "The Group 1950". christchurchartgallery.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  13. ^ "The Group 1951". christchurchartgallery.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  14. ^ "The Group 1952". christchurchartgallery.org.nz. Retrieved 26 September 2017.

Further reading edit

Artist files for Beth Zanders are held at: