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Wikipedia article about James Mackay who commissioned the painting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Mackay_(New_Zealand_politician,_born_1804)?wprov=sfti1

More at the Museum of New Zealand, as linked in the WP article:

https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/topic/1406

Thank you both for your kind replies. I should have been more exact, I am sorry.

The painting was commissioned by James Mackie, later known as James Mackay between 1843-1844. The work by William Allsworth travelled with the Mackie family to New Zealand. It was displayed in their temporary tent-house in Nelson until they built a home called Drumduan, where it was displayed again.

I would like to know, how the painting came to be purchased by the Te Papa Museum in 1992, with the help of a New Zealand Lottery Grant. I assume the painting was passed through the Mackay family but I am trying to confirm this. I have made an approach to the museum regarding the purchase, but they are yet to reply.

Grateful for any further help and assistance from Mackay family members or anyone who can help.  Thank you again.

regards Mike

RJ137:

As Ian Victor Major died on St Thomas, 1973 would the island have probate on him. How would this work on St Thomas? For example normally within a year, perhaps slightly longer probate would be announced in the United Kingdom.

I have hit a research brick wall again. Can anyone help on this matter please?

The main paper for the Virgin Islands, The Virgin Islands Daily News, is available online from 1930-1980 through Google Books and is searchable.

https://books.google.com/books?id=9wxOAAAAIBAJ

Enter in quotes "Ian major", check the box search all issues and then search inside. This will give you dozens of articles about him. Most of the articles from 1 Dec. 1973 forward are about his death and the investigations into his death, but there are a couple of others, including one written by his wife Cynthia.

Based on an article on 3 December (see below), I don't think you are going to be able to find where he was buried. At Ian's request, there was no formal funeral or memorial services for him.

The Daily News
Monday, December 3, 1973
Pg: 14

Thanks for your reply. I am ok with his wife. After his death, he has just disappeared! I tried to contact, twice the Caribbean Genealogy Library, St Thomas. No reply.

Grateful, thank you.

These people might know:
Caribbean Genealogy Library, on St Thomas.
https://cgl.vi/

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Most of the arrival records for him in the V.I. say he was born 15 April 1917.

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Where is his wife buried?

added: might not help:
Cynthia Sophie Major
Birth Date:    12 Mar 1916
Death Date:    27 Jul 1991
Death Place:    Palm Beach, Florida, United States

was of 58 Dorchester Circle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

will is indexed in England & Wales, Index of Wills and Administrations 
"administrator with will Winchester 30 January [pound sign] 29030 in England and Wales 9252404319V

https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/02/archives/st-thomas-killing-is-viewed-as-racial.html

Other articles mention, beside his home in St. Thomas, he also had a home in Switzerland.

Thank you again.

I am grateful.