Author(s): Peter Alsop

Photography | Aotearoa New Zealand Non-Fiction

Every single photo coloured by hand? Using cotton wool? Yes, such was the era of hand-coloured photography - a painting and photograph in one - the way you got a high-quality colour photo before colour photography became mainstream. Some of New Zealand's best hand-coloured photos were produced by Whites Aviation from 1945. For over 40 years, the glorious scenic vistas were a sensation, adorning offices and lounges around the land; patriotic statements within New Zealand's emerging visual arts. Now, despite massive changes in society and photography, the stunning scenes and subtle tones still enchant, as coveted collectibles; decorations on screen; and as respected pieces of photographic art. But, until now, the inspirational story has not been told; nor have the full stories of Leo White (company founder); Clyde Stewart (chief photographer and head of colouring); and the mission-critical 'colouring girls'. Hand-Coloured New Zealand presents New Zealand's first published collection of hand-coloured photography and reveals the full Whites Aviation story for the first time. Nothing, it seems, can change the appeal of an alluring hand-made craft.

Hand-Coloured New Zealand is a stunning publication from the dream team of Peter Alsop and publisher, Potton & Burton. From 1945, White’s Aviation produced the best hand-coloured photographs. This book is a tribute to the expertise of the company that produced these works, to the photographers and colourists whose work was exquisite. There are in-depth chapters about Leo White, the company founder; Clyde Stewart, chief photographer and head of colouring; and my favourite entitled ‘One of the Girls’ about Grace Rawson and her work as a colourist at White’s. The book is generously illustrated. Many images will be familiar, either glimpsed on an aunt’s wall or as large-scale photographs in public buildings. This beautifully produced publication is a must for collectors, photographers and for anyone interested in New Zealand’s social history.

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