The radicalism of their art united the impressionists as they sought camaraderie and mutual support. Like their French, Scottish, English and Australian counterparts, the impressionist painters associated with Pumpkin Cottage were middle class, talented, creative people some of whom chose to follow the precarious career of a professional artist. Many of them were also highly proficient in theatre, writing and singing. However, while some of their ideas were regarded as radical, many of New Zealand’s impressionists were part of the cultural establishment. Alfred Walsh, James Nairn, Mabel Hill, and Mary Tripe were art teachers; Fred Sedgwick worked for the Government Printing Office; John Baillie was a bookseller and photographer.