There's no question that Marsh (born on this day in 1895, died in 1982) is best known - world renowned in fact - as a writer, but for those of us who also know her as a painter, her choice of title seems particularly apt. References to art are sprinkled throughout Marsh's novels and those with a New Zealand setting, such as 'Vintage Murder' (1937), 'Colour Scheme' (1943), 'Died in the Wool' (1944) and 'Photo-Finish' (1980) also reveal her memories of the landscape, soaked up during sketching trips she made with Olivia Spencer Bower.

The multi-talented Marsh was also repected as a director and producer of Shakesperian theatre. It was for her achievements in that field that she was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1965. In another nice coincidence, April 23 is the date upon which Shakespeare's birthday is observed - he also died on that day in 1616.

It was a relief to hear that Marsh's Cashmere Hills home of more than 70 years, designed by leading Christchurch architect Samuel Hurst Seager, has withstood the recent earthquakes with repairable damage. It remains open to visitors, by appointment.