Artwork Information

Primarily known as a printmaker, Thomas Gulliver was also a highly skilled draughtsman. Indeed Anne Kirker observes that 'through drawing he was able to demonstrate his skill and vision and achieve an effect of immediacy which is often lost through printmaking techniques.' He also had a special interest in book design, designing the covers for a number of publications including The Library Tower, a quarterly published by the Auckland Public Library, Art Gallery and Old Colonists Museum from 1930 - 1932. This fluid line drawing, looking down Kitchener St towards the Gallery and clock tower, was executed as the cover for this publication.

At first glance little appears to have changed, but details such as the Northern end of the building and its walled garden area on reflection seem quite different, along with the layout of Wellesley St and the buildings beyond. The car in the foreground also adds interest, dating the drawing not only through its style, but also the direction it is facing, as today Kitchener St is one-way.

Gulliver often took his urban environment as subject executing numerous prints and drawings of inner city Auckland, its streets, factories and distinctive buildings.