PROVENANCE
Private Family Collection since painted

Richard 'Dick' Grattan was born in 1844. He was the landlord of the Thames Hotel, Queen Street, which at the time was reputed to be one of Auckland's finest hotels. Grattan was a popular, open hearted individual, a freemason and member of the Hope of Parnell Lodge. Early records show he died unexpectedly in 1875 whilst playing with his children in the front garden of their home. He was 31 years of age. It is understood the painting was commissioned by Grattan's friend and Lindauer's most dedicated patron, Henry Edward Partridge (1848 -1931). Partridge himself amassed a collection of over 70 works by Lindauer, many of which are now held in the permanent collection of Auckland Art Gallery, Toi O Tamaki. This fine portrait was completed after Grattan's death.