Gordon Burt was a hugely influential and popular New Zealand photographer working during the early 20th century up until his death in the 1960’s. This photograph, ‘Mascar Motors’ (1955-1965), is a beautifully composed example of a documentary photographic style. The picture plain is pleasantly split into thirds, with a clear focus on the Caltex gas-station in the central third, surrounded by a rather ambient New Zealand street. Our eye is drawn into the contrast of the white Caltex building and the primary colours surrounding it, the yellow and blue cars and red gas pumps. The colour tones are subtle, emphasising a vintage ambience and allowing us an insight into an everyday scene of Aotearoa in the 50’s. It is crucial to note how the photograph is in colour, for during that time in the 1950’s there was only the beginnings of colour photography in New Zealand. Especially as Burt himself in the 1940’s developed a method of colour printing called Tru-Colour, the most successful methods of colour photography available in Aotearoa, as seen in this photograph. This photograph by Burt is a clear example of his photographic advances in colour, as well as a perfect preservation of a typical scene in New Zealand in the 50’s.
Please note that the turnaround time for Museum Collection Prints/Mātātuhi mai i kohinga o Te Papa is 5 to 10 business days
Please note that the turnaround time for Museum Collection Prints/Mātātuhi mai i kohinga o Te Papa is 5 to 10 business days