Overview…

Thomas Cane was born in Brighton, Sussex in 1830 to William Cane (1801 – 1852) and Harriet Baker (1810 – 1893).

Thomas Cane and his family left London on 26th September, 1873 and travelled on ‘The Star of India’ ship which arrived in Lyttleton, New Zealand, 31st December 1873.

Cane travelled widely throughout Europe on several occasions visiting France, Germany, Belgium and Holland with the direct purpose of studying medieval architecture where he also developed his skills as a water colourist.

He trained as an architect under Gilbert Scott and became Canterbury Provincial Architect until the abolition of Provinces in 1876.

Architecturally he is well-known for designing the Corfe House at Christ’s College and Christchurch Girls’ High School, (which later became the School of Art and later still an extension of the University of Canterbury Library), The Timeball Station 1876,  Master’s House and dormitories at Christ’s College 1878, Caversham Hotel 1882 (later named The King George) and St Martin’s Church at Duntroon 1900.

Thomas Cane was also recognised as a painter of lively watercolours of the countryside with exhibitions held; CSA 1881–1900; NZ & South Seas Ex, Dunedin 1889–90. Work included in Canterbury Retrospective 1951; Centennial Ex, Wtn 1940. Represented: CSA, McDougall, Hocken and Canterbury Museum.