Pat Hanly


James Patrick Hanly, generally known as Pat Hanly, was a New Zealand painter.

Early life

Born in Palmerston North, Hanly was educated at Palmerston North Boys' High School. His parents organised a hairdressing apprenticeship for him and he left school during 1948 without completing his fourth-form year. During this time Hanly took night classes and then enrolled as a non-diploma student at the Canterbury College School of Art in Christchurch in 1952. After completing his studies there, Hanly travelled to Europe, and attended classes at the Chelsea School of Art.

Career

Hanly returned to New Zealand in 1962, and accepted a part-time position teaching drawing at the University of Auckland School of Architecture. Hanly continued to paint until his retirement in 1994.

Major public commissions

Hanly completed a number of large public murals at Auckland Airport, the University of Auckland School of Architecture, and the Aotea Centre. Hanly was also responsible for the Peace Mural on the corner of Karangahape and Ponsonby Roads in Auckland.
Hanly was also commissioned by Miles Warren to paint "Rainbow Pieces" for the Christchurch Town Hall in 1971.

Critical recognition

During his time at the Canterbury College School of Art, Hanly received the Turner Prize for landscape, open to students, in 1953.

Personal life

Hanly married Gillian Taverner in 1958 and the couple had one son and two daughters. Gil took up photography in the late 1970s and became a photographer of note. Pat Hanly was a keen sailor and anti-nuclear activist. The New Zealand Who's Who listed his recreations as kite flying, sailing and Greenpeace.
Hanly died in Auckland on 20 September 2004, having suffered from Huntington's disease.