In 24 May 1903, Empire Day was first celebrated in New Zealand. Now known as ‘a forgotten anniversary’, the day was observed every year on the birthday of Queen Victoria. The day had 'the double purpose of keeping fresh and green the memory of a most illustrious reign and rejoicing in the consolidation of our great Empire.' Parades and ceremonies were a feature, and children were especially targeted with imperial messages. Empire Day was celebrated until the 1950s when, as nzhistory.net.nz notes, ‘Empire Day segued into Commonwealth Day in 1958.’

This is a large-format print of an oil painting by Arthur Drummond, called ‘The Assumption of Queen Victoria’, 1901. It was painted to mark the accession of Edward VII in 1901, following the death of Queen Victoria. Drummond depicts Victoria as having ascended into heaven, who is surrounded by stereotypes of the indigenous peoples colonised by the British Empire. Kneeling are depictions of two Indian maharajahs and a Zulu warrior, while the white female figures could be said to represent colonies such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The people are all real-life figures that had passed away by 1901.

Below Victoria are real-life figures from 1901 - each person is based on someone living at that time. New Zealand's Premier, Richard Seddon ('King Dick'), is pictured directly behind the mace of the House of Commons (sitting on teh desk). It is an example of the imperialist hagiography common at that time.

More information on the work can be found at catalogue.wellcomelibrary.org/record=b1575624

Archives Reference: unlisted (possibly from the 'WHAT' agency)

Material from Archives New Zealand