Colin Wheeler mural of North Otago's Waitaki Valley (1977).

7 panels painted in tempura on board. Total length is 12 metres (comprising 6 panels of 1.8m wide x 1.2m high and 1 panel of 1.2 wide x 1.2m high).

Mural features Waitaki Valley landmarks: Kurow Anglican Church; Mt Domett and Otekaieke Homestead.

Provenance: the mural has been held in a private collection since 2014 after purchase at auction in Christchurch. It has been kept in museum standard storage conditions and not rehung. The work was created for the 'Games Room' of a public house, probably the DB Hotel Omarama. Each panel has a description on the reverse, written by the artist, describing what is featured on each panel scene (see photograph). Wheeler had great knowledge and love for this area, which is reflected in these texts.

Good overall colour and condition with some slight wear and corner losses (see photos). The painting surface shows some areas of discolouration. The work has a matt finish. It is unclear, without proper testing, if it was sealed with a protective varnish. Full restoration of the work should only be attempted by a professional painting conservator.

Colin Wheeler (1919–2012) was a highly regarded landscape artist and one of New Zealand's preeminent painters of the Otago area. Born in Dunedin, Wheeler trained at the Canterbury School of Art and later at the Camberwell School of Art and Crafts in London. Based in Oamaru for the majority of his career, he taught generations of aspiring artists as the Art Master at Waitaki Boys' High School. His work is represented in collections throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Seller would prefer to keep mural intact but individual panels may be sold separately by negotiation.

Viewings by appointment in Christchurch (serious buyers only).

Transportation and installation of mural by a professional art handler can be arranged for an additional fee (NZ only).