Unloading the Catch, Concarneau

Thompson became one of the most celebrated artists of the time in New Zealand He was also one of the first New Zealand-born painters to develop a professional career, but unlike Frances Hodgkins and Raymond McIntyre he did not cut his ties with New Zealand or attempt to define himself within the context of modern British art. From 1948 until his death at Concarneau on 8 June 1973, Thompson often travelled between France and New Zealand, working as a professional artist whose paintings had great public appeal. Sydney Thompson never lost his delight in painting. His last work was completed shortly before his 90th birthday.