Sarah Greenwood (artist)

She was born in Lambeth, Surrey, England, in about 1809. Her letters and drawings of her experiences depict pioneer life in Nelson, New Zealand, where she lived for 46 years. Her early education included the study of drawing, music, and languages. However, it is not known from where or whom she received her training in art. Her work and technique suggests that she did not draw from life and may have been taught by a lithographer.[1]

She married John Danforth Greenwood (1803-1890), a physician and educationist originally from Sussex, in 1831.[1] They had thirteen children, including Ellen Greenwood and Jane Greenwood.[2][3]

In the 1850s, Greenwood became involved in political and academic interests in Nelson and Wellington. She also ran a successful school on Bridge Street between 1865 and 1868 with six of her daughters. Sarah retired to Motueka in 1877 and lived with her son on the Grange.[4]

Greenwood died in Motueka on 13 December 1889, aged 80.[5]