Information on Leonard Hollobon

Born in 1889, Leonard Hollobon was the son of Jesse Hollobon, a well-known landscape painter, inheriting his father's artistic inclinations and skills. His journey as an artist was marked by both notable accomplishments and a tumultuous personal life that significantly impacted his career and legacy.

Hollobon's artistic journey was diverse and intriguing. He was known for his quaint commercial painted souvenirs, a testament to his creative versatility. Among his notable works was a large drum painted with an image of Mitre Peak, crafted a year before a pivotal moment in his life. Hollobon's art also extended to painting lonely scenes on the insides of mussel shells, a unique medium that showcased his ability to capture delicate landscapes in a compact and intricate format.

However, Hollobon's life took a dramatic turn in 1929. He reported being blackmailed to the Wellington Police, an act that led to a cascade of events dramatically altering his life and that of Norris Davey, who later became renowned New Zealand author Frank Sargeson. Hollobon's admission of having sexual relations with Davey and other men led to his imprisonment for five years in New Plymouth gaol. This incident, occurring at a time when homosexuality was criminalized, marked a significant point in New Zealand's LGBTI history, highlighting the societal challenges faced by individuals in same-sex relationships during that era.

The consequences of this incident were profound. Davey, who was released on probation, changed his name to Frank Sargeson and went on to become a celebrated author. In contrast, Hollobon's artistic career faced substantial setbacks. His father, Jesse Hollobon, forbade him from signing his artworks with the family name after his release in 1934. This led Leonard to adopt the pseudonym "T Wilson" for his works. Despite these challenges, Hollobon's art continued to resonate with audiences, even long after his death in 1972.

In recent times, there has been a renewed interest in Hollobon's work. His painted mussel shells, once a forgotten art form, have gained recognition and admiration for their beauty and uniqueness. These shells, depicting serene and unpeopled landscapes, have been cherished by collectors and enthusiasts, such as poet Lynn Davidson, who described them as beautiful objects that come close to kitsch but possess an intrinsic artistic quality.