Hand-Coloured New Zealand: The Photographs of Whites Aviation

Potton & Burton, 2016. In very nice condition with good DW.

Every single photo coloured by hand? Using cotton wool? Yes, such was the era of hand-coloured photography ? a painting and photograph in one ? the way you got a high-quality colour photo before colour photography became mainstream.

Some of New Zealand's best hand-coloured photos were produced by Whites Aviation from 1945. For over 40 years, the glorious scenic vistas were a sensation, adorning offices and lounges around the land; patriotic statements within New Zealand's emerging visual arts. Now, despite massive changes in society and photography, the stunning scenes and subtle tones still enchant, as coveted collectibles; decorations on screen; and as respected pieces of photographic art.

But, until now, the inspirational story has not been told; nor have the full stories of Leo White (company founder); Clyde Stewart (chief photographer and head of colouring); and the mission-critical 'colouring girls'. Hand-Coloured New Zealand also presents New Zealand's first published collection of hand-coloured photography, and the most extensive published collection of such photography in the world.