Avril Elizabeth Zanders (née Baker; 2 April 1913 – 21 June 2009), generally known as Beth Zanders, was a New Zealand artist.

Career

Zanders painted primarily in oils, often

still life A still life (plural: still lifes) is a work of art depicting mostly wikt:inanimate, inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which are either natural (food, flowers, dead animals, plants, rocks, shells, etc.) or artificiality, m ...

or portraits. Notable works include: ''Magnolia'' (1950). Her inclusion in W. A. Sutton's painting ''Homage to Frances Hodgkins'' (1951) highlights her involvement in the art community of Canterbury. The painting referenced the 'Pleasure Garden controversy' in which the art world of Christchurch was divided between proponents of so-called 'modern painting' and conservative forces. She is depicted alongside fellow artists Doris Lusk (also known as Doris Holland), Colin McCahon,

Heathcote Helmore Heathcote George Helmore (1 May 1894 – 21 May 1965) was a notable New Zealand architect. Early life Helmore was born in Rangiora, New Zealand, in 1894, the eldest child of Christchurch-born solicitor and former national rugby representativ ...

, Margaret Frankel, Rene Lonsdale, Alan Brassington,

Olivia Spencer Bower Catherine Olivia Orme Spencer Bower (13 April 1905 – 8 July 1982) was a New Zealand painter. Born in England, she spent her adult life in New Zealand, mostly in Christchurch. Early life Spencer Bower was born in St Neots, Huntingdonshire, ...

, and John Oakley.

Exhibitions

Zanders exhibited with the

Canterbury Society of Arts Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCA, formerly the Canterbury Society of Arts) is a curated art gallery in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand. The gallery is administered by the Canterbury Society of Arts (CSA) Charitable Trust. Quarte ...

and the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. She was a member of

The Group The Group may refer to: Film and television * ''The Group'' (Australian TV series), 1971 situation comedy produced by Cash Harmon Television for ATN7 * ''The Group'' (Canadian TV series), 1968–70 music variety on CBC Television * ''The Group ...

and was included in their exhibitions in 1949; 1950; 1951; 1952.

Personal life

Born Avril Elizabeth Baker, she married John Alexander Niblock in 1933 (divorcing in 1943) and married Douglas William Alfred Zanders in 1949. They are both buried in St Peter's Church, Petersham.

Career

Exhibitions

Personal life

References

Further reading