William Fox

Sir William Fox (1812-1893) is one of New Zealand's most significant nineteenth century watercolourists. Though the quality of his work varies greatly the paintings are important as historical records for half a century from 1842 when he arrived in New Zealand. Fox accompanied Heaphy and Brunner on some of their exploratory trips before he entered political life and he was present at the beginning of organised settlement in Christchurch and Canterbury. His paintings of the “Cressy” landing in Lyttelton, immigrant barracks and of the future site of Christchurch were produced as prints by Christchurch publisher Avon Fine Prints.