A very small original antique etching with ownership detail at the back.

The etching measures just 12cm by 7cm(the frame 27cm by 22cm), it's protected behind glass, has some brown spotting and is ready to hang. Although unsigned, there's some detail at the back as to ownership - it was owned by Ngarita Johnstone(1928-2021) and I have some of her artwork also being auctioned in other lots. I suspect the artist in question, is actually her father.

Ngarita's father James Johnstone(1893-1977) studied at the Edinburgh School of Art and was invited by Richard Wallwork to teach at the Canty College School of Art. Emigrating in 1925, he took up the position of Art Master Design & Crafts in 1926 and remained at the 'Univ' Art School until 1958. Ngarita was destined to follow in her father's footsteps and attended the Art School 1946-50. However, she felt in his shadow, recalling he "never said anything was any good". She even chose embroidery rather than metalwork, because it was a subject he didn't teach. On receiving her Diploma in Fine Arts(Design), Ngarita became an art teacher. Starting in Dunedin for 3 years and with stints at Napier Girls and in the Waikato for 7 years, she returned to ChCh and taught 7 years at Riccarton High and 14 years at Papanui High. Retiring early, she began to concentrate on her own creativity - becoming diversely talented with drawing, printmaking and photography.

James Johnstone exhibited with the Canty Soc of Arts, NZ Academy of Fine Arts and Akld Soc of Arts. The Johnstone Collection at the University of Canterbury includes works by father and daughter and they are both represented in the Collection of the ChCh Art Gallery.

See photos.

Note: I believe the "Ngaio Marsh" is a reference to the Retirement Village.