Since our paragraph appeared the other day, Mr A. H. O'Keeffe has sold his picture "The Draughts Players" for a good price to a gentleman in Dunedin, but it will be exhibited in Christchurch all the same, by permission of the owner. -Otago Daily Times, 30/3/1889.
EXHIBITION NOTES
Several of the best known Dunedin artists have been hard at work for some time past in view of the forthcoming exhibition, and from what we have seen in the studios of Messrs L. W. Wilson and A. H. O'Keeffe we can safely predict that local art connoisseurs will be both interested and pleased when they see their principal works adorning the walls of the art gallery. Mr Wilson has quite excelled himself in a large picture of Preservation Inlet, in which the colouring is quiet and harmonious. Several of his water colours will also attract a good deal of attention. Mr O'Keeffe has kept on improving, and, as we predicted some time ago, his work has now reached a very high standard. His principal canvas for the exhibition — a candle light effect — is now finished, and already there have been large numbers of applications for a private view. It will, we venture to say, attract more than local notice. -Otgago Daily Times, 19/9/1889.
Art Society's Exhibition. (excerpt)
The largest picture in the exhibition is contributed by A. H. O'Keeffe, and is called "Memories" (No. 87). The motif of the work is that an elderly man, who has dropped into a chair, has his attention attracted by a child's boot lying on the floor of the room, and is by tho sight of it reminded of the days of his own childhood. The figure of the man is well drawn, even if the position is somewhat awkward, but the work us a whole does not bear out the title that has been conferred upon it. The entourage rather suggest that the man has fallen asleep, worn out from over-exertion, or even, indeed, fuddled with over-indulgence. It would be more appropriate, therefore, if the picture were called "Tired Out," or some such name, rather than "Memories." The most artistic work that Mr O'Keeffe has in the gallery is the one he has entitled "Ago Sits with Decent Grace upon his Face" (No. 58), in which he represents an old cobbler, who, bending forward as he sits on his bench, is evidently in deep thought. "Preparing, the Salad" (No. 78), is another capital example — quite a Dutch picture it is — in which a damsel is depicted at work with all the components of a salad around her. These two lastmentioned works show a decidedly better appreciation of art than the large picture of "Memories." -Otago Daily Times, 24/11/1890.
The Council of the Canterbury Society of Arts have decided to purchase the picture "After a Long Tramp," by Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, of Dunedin, for their permanent collection. This work was shown at the recent art exhibition in Christchurch, along with several other works of Mr O'Keeffe's, all of which have found purchasers. Mr L. W. Wilson, of this city was also an extensive exhibitor at Christchurch, and all his pictures were purchased from the gallery. -Otago Daily Times, 20/5/1891.
ART SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.
In a previous article upon the works exhibited upon the walls of the Otago Art Society's gallery, mention was made of the contributions in oils from the brush of Mr W. K. Sprott, of Canterbury, but from the pictures of his to which there was reference "Seeking a Ford" (No. 28) was omitted. This is a bold piece of work, in which the artist has adopted with some success a .risky scheme of colouring. The picture represents a wild turbulent scene, with a stream in spate, and a horseman, leading his unwilling steed, is looking — at a most unsuitable spot — for a suitable fording place. Mr A. H. O'Keeffe is an artist whose works are always sought out by visitors when the Art Society's Exhibition is opened, because in his paintings we have a change from the everlasting landscape of most of our local artists "The Fairy Tale" (No. 52;, though quoted in the catalogue at the respectable figure of 50gs, does not equal in merit some of the genre works of Mr O'Keeffe in former exhibitions. It is painted in sober colours, and depicts a young woman reading out of a fairy tale book to a child who, as it lies on the hearthrug in front of the fireplace, is listening in wonder to the narrative, while behind the chair of the reader stands the figure of one whose age seemingly denotes that she is the grandmother. For another work of Mr O'Keeffe's, which has been loaned to the society for exhibition, most of the visitors to the gallery will profess a decided preference. The subject is "Home Lessons" (No. 109), in which we are shown a schoolboy who, having devoted to the spinning of his top some of the time which ought to have been spent on his mapping exercise, is in a style characteristic of schoolboys, tracing his map against a window pane. "The Labour Picket" (No. 86) is a work that fully maintains Mr O'Keeffe's reputation. The expression on the thoughtful face of the subject is depicted with remarkable skill; and "Onions" (No. 62) is a fine example io still life. -Otago Daily Times, 16/11/1891.
ART UNION.
There are now on view in the windows of Messrs Herbert, Haynes, and Co., Princes street, several works of art which are to be disposed of by art union. Concerning the fact that they possess real merit there cannot be a division of opinion. They have already attracted a good deal of attention and elicited many favourable comments. There can be no question that they are creditable to the artist whose production they are, Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, whose work is well esteemed by thoroughly competent judges. It is not necessary to say much regarding the works themselves. Our principal object now is to direct attention to the fact that the works are to be disposed of by art union. Already by far the greater number of the tickets have been sold, and the drawing will take place when the balance have been disposed of — probably within a week or so. One of the pictures, or a duplicate of it, was shown in the art gallery at the exhibition, and the others of the collection have been painted during the year. Three of them are portraits, and admirable ones. One of them, a sturdy, laughing boy, is entitled "Fit for Anything," and he looks fit for anything in the way of fun or mischief. A coy little maiden is not inappropriately called "Eve," and another girl, with a quiet, dreamy countenance, has, for the purposes of art, been christened "Mona." These are all the portraits. The other pictures consist of a pretty little landscape, a rough bit of the Town .Belt, near Mr John Roberts' residence, with the grass cut and thrown in mounds on it, and the remaining one is a clever study in still life most unpoetically, but practically, designated "Onions," from the fact that some good sound specimens of that pungent vegetable are the central and principal figures of the study. The works altogether are well worth looking at, and the art union ought soon to be fully subscribed. -Otago Witness, 26/5/1892.
DUNEDIN LICENSING COMMITTEE.
NINE HOTELS TO BE CLOSED.
— Adjournment granted, A. H. O'Keeffe, Liverpool Arms Hotel, Filleul street — The Chairman: The Committee do not see their way to renew this license, on the ground that it is not required in the neighborhood. We will grant an adjournment if wished. — Mr O’Keeffe, being called, asked for an adjournment for fourteen days, which was granted. -Evening Star, 3/6/1892.
DUNEDIN LICENSING COMMITTEE.
FINAL DECISION TO CLOSE FOUR HOTELS.
THE LIVERPOOL ARMS. Application for a renewal of the license for this house, situated in Filleul street, was made by A. H. O’Keeffe, and supported by Mr Macdonald, who presented a petition signed by about 150 persons, and remarked that the police gave the house an excellent name. He called as a witness
Silas Spragg, reporter, who said that as a teetotaller be objected to all hotels on principle, but if a license should be granted to any it should be given to this house, seeing that it was exceptionally well conducted, as he (witness) could affirm from his own observation in passing frequently at all hours of day and night. The Chairman: The majority of the Bench have agreed to grant a renewal of this license, — (Applause.) -Evening Star, 17/6/1892.
Local and General
Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, a local artist who has achieved a reputation as a portrait painter, has decided to adopt painting as a profession, he having made arrangements to open a studio in Dunedin shortly. His work is especially well known in Dunedin, but artists throughout the colony are familiar with his signature, which is generally to be found in the corner of a picture descriptive of everyday life and ordinary incident. He has been an exhibitor at the Otago Art Society's exhibitions for some years, and some of his paintings were also to be seen on the walls of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition in 1889, where one of his favourite subjects was spotted with the red star immediately on the opening of the art gallery. His opportunities for work in that particular branch of his art in which he has attained the greatest measure of excellence — viz,, portrait-painting — have been somewhat limited; but there is good reason to believe, now that he is going to devote himself singly to art, that he will be able to give a very good account of himself, as he is not only very painstaking, but an indefatigable worker. -Otago Witness, 11/5/1893.
LICENSING NOTICES.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF LICENSE.
I ALFRED HENRY O’KEEFFE, of Dunedin, being the holder of a Publican’s License in respect of the House and Premises situate at Filleul street, Dunedin, and known as the Liverpool Arms Hotel, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next Licensing Meeting to be holden at Dunedin on the 1st day of September, 1893, apply for a Transfer of the said License from myself to Walter Robertson, my appointee.
Dated the sth day of June, 1893. A. H, O’KEEFFE. -Evening Star, 24/7/1893.
Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, a member of the Otago Art Society, whose pictures of genre subjects have for some years past been so much admired, has decided to go to Europe for the purpose of obtaining that kind of instruction that it is impossible to get in the colonies. He purposes remaining there for two years, and it is his intention to send out paintings from time to time, so that his friends and admirers here may have an opportunity of seeing his progress. With a view of raising funds for the purpose of his visit he has promoted an art union of pictures, and, in order to give him a good send-off, a number of the members of the Art Society, as well as many other artists residing in the colony, have each contributed a picture. It only remains that the good-natured assistance thus given should bs supplemented by the subscriptions to the art union of those to whom Mr O'Keeffe's work has given pleasure. The art union is under the management of Mr E. B. Hayward, who is acting as secretary to the movement. The works themselves are on view at the Dresden, McGregor and Wight's, and in Princes street. -Otago Witness, 15/2/1894.
The patrons of art generally in this city and the friends of Mr A. H. O'Keeffe particularly, will be interested to know that he contemplates returning to Dunedin shortly. He is studying at the Academie Julian in Paris, and he has the assurance of Benjamin Constant, the professor, that he is on the right track. A carious incident which happened in the academic is certainly worth recording. One of the other students, hearing that Mr O'Keeffe hailed from the colony, accosted him and drew him into a conversation respecting art matters in New Zealand. "I hear," said the student, "there is a fellow keeping a 'pub' out there, who draws very well." Mr O'Keeffe, before revealing that he was the "fellow" in question, learnt that it was Mr Colquhoun, the Victorian artist, who had sounded his praises. Respecting the work in the academie Mr O'Keeffe writes in a letter received by the last mail: — "There is no such thing as picture-making in the school. The Yankees are the boys to draw. To use an expression of their own, they are out of sight. You would be astonished at the wonderful things they do with charcoal and bread, the principal stuff used here. It is only the duffers who paint. The argument is, if you can draw you can paint. All the earnest fellows draw; they say you can hide a lot of faults with a paint brush. Everyone does as he likes and uses any method he likes, but you soon do as others do, and you have only to walk around to find what you want to know." -Otago Daily Times, 24/9/1894.
Life after returning from France progressed with good reviews, commissions and teaching. Then came a personal disaster for Alfred - as well as for many millions of parents.
SERGEANT L. C. O'KEEFFE
Sergeant Lawrence Cadogan O'Keeffe (died of wounds) was the elder son of Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, artist, Musselburgh. He was born at Dunedin, but received his primary education at the Outram School, going from there to the Otago Boys' High School. Afterwards he entered the employ of Messrs Stomach, Moriss, and Co., auctioneers, and was still with that firm when he volunteered for active service.
He was stationed firstly at the remount depot at Forbury Park but ho rejoined his old regiment, the Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars) before the Otago Regiment embarked at Port Chalmers. Sergeant O'Keeffe, who was 24 years of age, was a prominent member of the Dunedin Football Club, playing in the front row for the senior fifteen. He was also secretary of the club. His younger brother (Victor) went with the 2nd Reinforcements of the 8th (South Canterbury) Regiment. -Evening Star, 18/8/1915.
Lawrence died of a gunshot wound to his right shoulder on board the Hospital Ship "Tunisian." He was presumably buried at sea. Victor died of a gunshot wound to the chest, on board the "Gloucester Castle."
PERSONAL.
Trooper Victor Alfred O'Keeffe, who died of wounds on August 25, was a son of Mr A. H. O'Keeffe, the well-known artist, of the city. Deceased, who was 22 years of age, was born in Dunedin, and was educated at the Outram Public School and Otago High School. He joined the main body of the Otago Mounted Regiment, but later transferred to the Canterbury Mounted Regiment to be with his brother-in-law. Captain Hardy, by the way, is a son of the Hon C. A. C. Hardy, M.L.C. Deceased was a member of Messrs Stronach Bros, and Morris's staff, and it is pleasing to note that some nine members of this staff have enlisted for active service, and are all receiving halfpay from the firm. Deceased was a member of the Dunedin Football Club. Sergeant O'Keeffe, who died of wounds on August 11, was a brother of Trooper O'Keeffe's. These soldiers were the only male members of the family. -Evening Star, 18/9/1915.
From the crushing disaster of his sons' deaths came O'Keeffe's best known painting, bought shortly after completion for the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. "The Defence Minister's Telegram" shows an older man, seated, with a piece of paper in his hand. His head is bowed and eyes hidden behind glasses and eyelids. It is infinitely sad.
THE ART OF MR A. H. O’KEEFFE.
The assured position occupied by Mr A. H. O’Keeffe in the sphere of art in this comnmnity is generally so widely recognised that the announcement of a display of his work at the Public Art Gallery should be received with considerable interest. In the many years during which Mr O’Keeffe has followed the artist’s calling in our midst he has given a remarkable illustration — one from which students cannot have failed to profit — of an undeviating rectitude in pursuit of a high ideal. Those who are acquainted with his methods know that he has been his own severest critic and task-master. Since this has made for quality rather than quantity in his output the result has had its compensations. A student all his days, and time has flown since he made a pilgrimage abroad and attended the Academie Julian, Paris, Mr O’Keeffe never lapses from his high standard, never relaxes his grasp of the great essentials in pictorial delineation. The examples of his art which hang in the permanent collection belonging to this city are an indication of the distinguished recognition that has been accorded him. The quality of Mr O'Keeffe’s work is essentially individual. He excels in delineation from the living model, and the strength of his draughtsmanship and even more the conception which he has of his subject mark his pictures as distinctive. To hold what artists term a “one-man show” Mr O’Keeffe is particularly well qualified. Visitors to the gallery will find there a varied exhibit of some of his most interesting later productions. The most important picture is that entitled “Negligee,” which was shown and attracted most favourable attention at the Otago Art Society's exhibition in November last. The strength and truth of this painting must be apparent to all. It is uncompromising in its severe disregard of all superfluities or adventitious aids to popularity. But whatever be the measure of success which Mr O’Keeffe secures in his unflagging search for certain results, the honesty of his work is always conspicuous and at times the inspiration behind it shows clearly forth. In addition to another important figure study — depicting a subject which is evidently a favourite one with the artist — and others of smaller dimensions, Mr O’Keeffe shows some landscapes, or rather seascapes, which should be bold and vigorous enough to satisfy anybody, so powerful is the handling of masses of colour. These will not cause to be overlooked, however, the fact that it is in still-life that some of the artist’s most noteworthy work has been accomplished. Appreciation of form, the glow of colour upon fruit, the rounded grace of chrysanthemums and the way in which they catch the light the texture pf a tablecloth. or the shining rotundity of the surface of a simple onion — in these matters Mr O’Keeffe is masterful, and seems to grow in strength. -Otago Daily Times, 28/1/1924.
OBITUARY
Mr A. H. O'KEEFFE
Dunedin’s art-loving community will learn with regret of the passing of Mr Alfred Henry O’Keeffe, who died at his residence yesterday, and who was for many years one of the most prominent figures in art circles in New Zealand. Coming from an artistic family, Mr O'Keeffe was born in Bendigo, Australia, in 1858, arriving in New Zealand by the Aldinga in 1863. His early education was received at the Stone School in Union street and the Middle District School in Arthur street. From an early age he exhibited a natural aptitude for painting, and was a pupil of Mr David Hutton, at whose hands he commenced his studies in the old Art School in the Octagon. When still a young man he journeyed to Europe, continuing at the Academy Julian in Paris, later returning to New Zealand, where his abilities were soon to be recognised to a marked degree. In his youth he was a keen member of boating and cycling organisations, distinguishing himself by winning a road race to Lawrence on the “penny-farthing ” type of machine.
But it was in his capacity as an artist of the highest order that he became so widely known throughout the Dominion. Mr O’Keeffe was a painter of outstanding ability, particularly in still life, flower studies, and portraiture, his latter works being characterised by a boldness of technique typical of his depth of understanding. Several of his works are hung in the Dunedin Art Gallery, and he enjoyed the distinction of having samples from his brush hung in every gallery in New Zealand. He was a member of the Auckland Art Society, and as one of the leading lights of the Otago Society his paintings regularly at all the society’s exhibitions. He was for a number of years a teacher at the Dunedin School of Art. and his sudden death came only a few days before being elevated to life membership of the Otago Art Society, with which body he was associated for 53 years.
The deceased, who recently celebrated his diamond wedding, was in his eightythird year, and is survived by his wife and two daughters, Miss O’Keeffe, of Dunedin, and Mrs Anderson, of Christchurch. A daughter died in 1915, and two sons gave their lives on Gallipoli. Always of a cheerful and happy disposition, Mr O’Keeffe was ever ready to give assistance to others, and in his passing the city sustains the loss of s devoted and eminent citizen. -28/7/1941.
At the Otago Art Society's private view last night could be seen a silent and kindly thought to the memory of a fine artist. Beneath a canvas, a self portrait of the late A. H. O’Keeffe, a posy of white roses had been placed, and across the corner was a band of black silk. A last painting by the artist, ‘A Bunch of Roses,’ was displayed alongside. -Evening Star, 11/11/1941.
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