Charles Barraud

Bequeathed in 1975 by Lady Matthews to the Bank of New Zealand in memory of her Grandfather Falconer Larkworthy*.

Charles Barraud was born in England and came to New Zealand soon after his marriage to Sarah Marie Style. Barraud was a chemist and set up the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand and was its first president. Barraud won early recognition as an artist in New Zealand, and his paintings from 1850 onwards are of considerable historical value. Barraud was the principal founder of the Fine Arts Association established in 1882, becoming president two years later. It was largely due to his untiring efforts that the academy's first gallery, the forerunner of the National Art Gallery, was built in Whitmore Street, Wellington, in 1892.

*Falconer Larkworthy was instrumental in the establishment of the Bank of New Zealand and served as the first Managing Director in London from 1862-1888.