Listing Details
Peter McIntyre OBE (1910 – 1995) is recognised for his service during the Second World War as New Zealand’s official war artist. His works completed during this period are compelling and capture intimate insights into New Zealand troop life in the North African campaign, Crete, Tripoli and Italy.
When war broke out in 1939, McIntyre enlisted as a gunner with the 34th Anti-tank Battery, a New Zealand volunteer unit formed in London. Sent to Egypt with his platoon, McIntyre was soon contributing illustrations to the British war magazine Parade. In January 1941, General Freyberg learned of McIntyre’s painting talent and duly appointed him New Zealand’s official war artist, chronicling the activities of 2nd NZEF throughout Europe and North Africa. These images became a
frequent presence in magazines such as Illustrated London News and the New Zealand Listener, causing McIntyre’s paintings to quintessentially represent the experiences of New Zealand soldiers in the Second World War.
McIntyre, whose father was also an artist, group up in Dunedin. His father recognised his ability and encourage him to head to London and undertake study at the Slade School of Art in London. He studied both traditional methods from the old masters as well as contemporary art movements. In 1939 he was working as a commercial artist in London when war broke-out and he choose to enlist.
McIntyre returned to New Zealand in 1946 settling back in Dunedin painting landscapes and portraits.
His war pictures toured the galleries throughout New Zealand establishing his reputation. Several books followed. He travelled extensively, always painting and drawing achieving international fame particularly in the United States.
Image Dimensions: 600mm W x 450mm H
Framing: Framed
Framed Dimensions: 860mm W x 730mm H
