Battle of Trafalgar painting gifted to city

A huge painting depicting the Battle of Trafalgar has been generously given to Nelson City by Motueka residents, Sir Pat and Lady Goodman.

It is entitled ‘The Battle of Trafalgar 1805’ and Sir Pat commissioned it from Australian maritime artist Ian Hansen. It is a larger version of one that he has in his own home and says he decided to make the donation because he thought it would be lovely to have a painting which is so much a part of Nelson history.

It took the artist three months to complete. Mr Hansen is regarded as one of the top marine painters worldwide and exhibits in Australia, Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, USA, and the Isle of Wight.

Born in Australia in 1948, Hansen’s early years were spent on the shores of Hervey Bay, and it was there that his love of the sea began. He joined the Navy at fifteen and served for twelve years, continually painting the ships and scenes he observed on his travels. He has won numerous awards for his well researched and historically accurate maritime paintings.

Mayor and Mayoress Marshall accepted the gift on behalf of the city at the Suter Gallery on 15 April. It will remain on display at the Suter in the short term before being shifted to a permanent home in Council’s Civic House.