Peter McIntyre 1910-1995

Peter McIntyre is one of New Zealand' most respected artists. Born in Dunedin, his artist father arranged lessons with the artist Alfred O'Keeffe and further studies at the Slade School of Art, London. Following the outbreak of war in 1939, McIntyre enlisted with the 34th Anti-tank Battery, a New Zealand volunteer unit. His platoon was sent to Egypt where the young McIntyre contributed illustrations to the British war magazine Parade. In 1941 General Freyberg appointed McIntyre New Zealand's official war artist. These memorable early works now held in the National Archives, Wellington document the experiences of New Zealand soliders in Crete, North Africa, Tripoli and Italy.

Returning home in 1946 McIntyre established a studio in Dunedin and enjoyed acknowledgement and success as a professional artist. In 1959 he won the Kelliher Art Award. From 1961 through to the early 1980s McIntyre wrote and illustrated best selling books. These included his biography, The Painted Years. McIntyre's New Zealand sold out within six days and his publishers commissioned further books documenting the artist's travels to Antarctica, the American West, Hong Kong and the Pacific. Several generations of New Zealanders grew up enjoying these publications and today his distinctive landscapes attract the recognition they so rightly deserve.

In 1970 McIntyre was awarded an OBE for his contribution to New Zealand art and publishing. In 1995 a major retrospective exhibition featuring the war paintings was held at Wellington City Gallery. Works are sold worldwide and held in private and public collections. These include the National Army Museum, Waiouru, Te Papa, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.