26/08/2026
Just like a piece of jewellery you might wear for purely sentimental reasons, so too for the art and many of the objects we choose for our homes.
This artwork was painted by my grandmother Ethel Glubb over 30 years ago. At the age of 65, after having 9 children and dedicating her life to her family, she travelled alone to Russia and Europe.
While travel is commonplace now, it was not so in 1980 for a woman in her 60’s. Inspired by the art and culture she experienced, Ethel returned to New Zealand and became immersed in art.
Talented and driven, she was accepted to the Ilam School of Fine Arts where her world continued to expand beyond family, meeting other artists and younger students from all walks of life.
In the early 90’s she was part of a group show at the Centre of Contemporary Art in Christchurch where this artwork and many of her other beautiful pieces were on show.
It was painted from her studio window in the late afternoon sun, overlooking the rooftops in Christchurch. She captured a moment in time, before the skyline changed, buildings fell in the earthquake and life moved on.
Standing in front of this artwork, that I have looked at a thousand times over 30 years, happiness blooms in my heart. It means more to me than any piece of art I could have purchased from a catalogue or online.
Authentic, hand-painted, imperfect.
An original art work that reminds me of my grandmother and the inspiration she continues to be to me.
