Glenorchy is a settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, about thirty miles from Queenstown. In the 1860s settlers arrived at the base of the valley in search of sheep-grazing land. Later came prospectors for gold. By 1912 the SS Earnslaw was on active duty steaming her way to Glenorchy three times a week. For many years the historic red Shed was the sole site for all arrivals and departures, becoming the centre of the town's activity. It was where the people of Glenorchy stored and sorted the goods arriving on steamers. Over the years the wharf shed has been rebuilt many times and today serves as home to a historical society and a small museum. Local demand for a road to Queenstown gained strength in the mid 1950s with construction completed in 1962.

In this magnificent painting Simon Williams works with white-on-white to create a sparkling winter landscape. Against a backdrop of massive peaks the SS Earnslaw steams on silvered waters whilst the Red Shed, doors open wide offers welcome shelter.