Woman struck by car well-known in art world

Delia Grace Williams died after she was hit by a car on Northland's Garden Rd, Wellington. Photo / Supplied

The sister-in-law of the woman who was died after being struck by a car in Wellington this week says she was "vivacious" and "larger than life".

Delia Grace Williams, 55, died after she was hit by a car on Northland's Garden Rd, Wellington.

A 58-year-old man appeared in Wellington District Court on Wednesday charged with assault with a blunt weapon and excess breath alcohol.

Ms Williams' sister-in-law Robyn McLean said the woman was well-known in the art industry in Wellington.

She ran a gallery on Cuba St in the same building as the Peter McLeavey gallery during the 1990s.

"She was really artistic and very vivacious."

Ms McLean said Williams, a Levin resident, was a "larger than life character".

"She had an amazing ability to spot talent," she said.

Ms Williams convinced Ms McLean's mother to purchase a painting of now one of New Zealand's most recognisable artists, Karl Maughan.

He was a student at the time.

"She had an amazing talent for spotting artists," she said.

Ms McLean said her sister-in-law was visiting a friend on Garden Rd and the incident occurred when she was leaving her house.

"Everyone's just in shock. You don't expect these things to happen."

Ms Williams had a son, who she brought up on her own.

"She did an amazing job bringing up her son as a solo mother."