Painter to Wellington - New Zealand
![](https://medias.cdn.atoflow.com/0ld8g9UBT6FtWtusmJPLxETKYynjdJjZJnJDQ53z.jpg)
New Zealand
Cairncross, Sam, 1913-1976
Artist. Born in Marton of Scottish, Irish and Jewish descent. Sketched from childhood and developed into making cartoons and caricatures. Apprenticed as a wireworker; worked as a boot clicker, hospital porter and street photographer. Started painting professionally 1942; by 1944 his exhibitions were attracting attention, including that of the French envoy, M Armand Gazel. Was awarded a French Government Scholarship to study for a year in Paris, 1947-1948 and in galleries in New York and London. Held exhibitions at the Cite Universitaire and Galerie de L'Elysee. Returning to New Zealand and his family, he painted, exhibited and taught adult art classes in the Wellington area. He moved to Porirua in 1954.