SCHOOL OF ART.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14597, 22 February 1913, Page 7

SCHOOL OF ART.

EXHIBITION OF WORK. The annual exhibition of the work done during the past year by the pupils of the Canterbury Collcgo School of Art is one for which both teachers nnd pupils have no reason to feel ashamed. Though not larger than exhibitions that have been held in former years, the average quality of tho work is distinctly better, and, in instances that are gratifying.}* numerous, it is remarkably good, showing considerable originality, and much technical skill. In the architecture room the ambitious work of Mr M. K. McLeod at onco arrests attention, and his design for a. city church in tho classic style is a rather refreshing departure from conventionality. Mr E. Taylor breaks fresh grounds in his combined designs for a suburban villa, together with a detailed plan of the garden and grounds, and Mr L. R. Saunders's designs for a small residence are quite good. Tho plans and alterations of a model workman's dwelling do Mr F. Osborno credit, though it would seem that tho cost" of construction would be rather beyond what is usually considered ade-quate-for buildings of this description. The elementary work consists chiefly of constructural designs, which are well and neatly drawn. The sign-writing class has a small exhibit of work, and Mr P. Hartnell's two panels, with gold and black lettering on a red ground, are very neat and effective. More important, and certainly more popular, is the work in colour, and here in tho landscape section Mr G. li. Webber's two water-colour sketches are admirable. Miss Poison has an effective little study in oil of the park, and has caught the idea of nor'-west conditions cleverly. Possibly tho most striking sketch is one by Miss Zellar, of a sunlit corner of a house, seen through dark and sombre trees; this is a very strong piece of work, and attra6ts at once by its uncommonness. Tho same painter has another smaller sketch of an open landscape, very broadly treated, which gives an extraordinary idea of space. Miss M. Murray-Ayns-ley's two littlo sketches should not bo overlooked, they aro simple but effective, an_ Miss R. V. Partridge's rivcr-viow, near Burwood, is one of the best water-colours exhibited. Miss 11. J. Edgar and Mr Webber dominate the decorative section, and tho latter's posters, especially the striking seascape, are very good. In the figure study by Miss Edgar of a woman gazing at a bowl of flowers, the painter has overcome tho difficult problem of depending on reflected li_*ht for the modelling in a masterly manner. Mr Webber is prominent in the studies from life with a boldly-handled picture of an aged woman, and the still-lifo studios of Miss R. V. Partridge and Miss Poison show considerable skill. The etchings aro a new departuro, and the best technically is an excellent study of a corner in tho Provincial Council Chambers, by Miss Zellar, but Mr Webber and .Miss N. Edgar also show fine work. _ In tho crafts section, which includes jewellery, enamel and metal work, needle work, carving, etc., there are somo splendid examples of the various arts, and both design and execution are excellent. There are a- few results from the modelling class, Miss Edgar's bust, "The Dreamer," nnd Miss C. Pol-son's-delicate bas-relief of the head of a Ctesar, being the best, and in the samo room is hung the work of the class in figure drawing. The studies, completed in a limited time, show great swing and action in the best examples, while the careful anatomical studies by Miss Sugden aro worthy of all praise. Considerable uso has been mado of tinted and white chalk, with charcoal, on dark paper, in many of tho studies, and Mrs G. Butler, Miss A. Gibb, and Mr "Webber have been particularly successful in this medium. In drawing from the antique Miss Zellar and Miss M. Buckhurst show come good work, while m the section devoted to design Mr W. Baverstock disnlavs ability, his graceful desiens and delicate colouring being especially pleasing. On the whole, it may be said without bias, that tho display compares very favourably indeed with similar exhibits in mucli larger centres.