William A. Sutton (1917 - 2000) was one of Canterbury’s leading 20th century artists. Tom Taylor and Sutton worked together at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts and were also members of The Group, a number of Christchurch artists interested in modern movements in art. While Taylor’s sculptures were mainly concerned with architectonics (suggesting architectural forms), he also produced a number of portraits at various times during his career. This portrait of Sutton is modelled in a loose, spontaneous style that gives the work a sense of liveliness and immediacy. Taylor was born in Christchurch. He served with the Royal New Zealand Navy during World War II and afterwards studied at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts. He also studied architecture and designed houses throughout his career. Taylor was appointed a full-time lecturer in sculpture in 1961. Taylor was the first recipient of the Canterbury Society of Arts Guthrey Travel Award in 1966. He founded the Sculptor Group in 1970. Taylor retired from teaching in 1990.