ESPLIN Tom and Edith's Creative Journeys

Compiled by Donald Offwood

Published and Designed by The Caxton Press - 2007

175 pages

h/c (no d/j) - approx 21.5cm x 27.5cm The only inscription is one written and signed by Tom and Edith's two sons - Ron and Clark (please see photos)

Tom's artistic career started at the early age of 10, when he was awarded first prize for a sketch of his father; the prize being ten shillings. In 1934, at the age of 18, Tom won an 80pound scholarship, awarded by the Edinburgh College of Arts, where his art master commented that Esplin was one of the best pupils he had presented for some years and he predicted a brilliant career for the lad. By 1937 Tom's considerable ability had been recognised and several of his paintings were hanging in the Edinburgh Royal Academy...

The family decided to emigrate to New Zealand in 1954. They settled in Dunedin, Tom held a lecturing appointment at Otago University for the next 25 years, 'retiring' to full-time travelling and painting in 1980. During this time he developed his trademark and unique palette knife impasto technique, which makes his work so distinctive...

During his full life Tom completed 3,500 paintings, so this commemorative book can only touch the surface. It cannot reflect all his work; it is merely a sketch of his life's journey with camera and palette knife in hand and Edith at his side...

Tom and Edith had a wonderful life together, travelling very extensively, Tom with sketch pad and camera, Edith with sketch pad and diary, which she filled with her quick mind. Edith recorded her impressions of a place or person encountered during their journeys, so it is a pleasure to attempt to combine the essence of each of them in this commemorative book. This book celebrates their life together. (Donald Offwood)

• please feel free to ask questions
• happy to combine postage
• sorry no overseas buyers