FOR ACADEMY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 99, 29 April 1938, Page 8

FOR ACADEMY.

AUCKLANDER'S WORK. BUST OF EARLY BISHOP. POMPAUIER CENTENARY. A bust of Bishop Pom pal Her by the Auckland sculptor. Mr. William 11. Wright, A.R.C.A.. has been accepted by the Royal Academy, London, for its approaching sprinpr exhibition. The work to be exhibited is in plaster and ia the original of the bronze bust placed in St. Patrick's Cathedral earlv this

]t is appropriate that a bust of Bishop Pompallier should be exhibited at the academy in the centennial year of his arrival in New Zealand, and the decision of the academy is a further tribute to the work of Mr. Wright, who has been similarly honoured on numerous occasions. Mr. Wright has had the distinction of having three of his works included in one exhibition, an honour much coveted by artists and sculptors, and two of his beautiful bronze*., "Molly" and "Louise," now in the Auckland Art Gallery, have both been exhibited at the Roval Academy.

Mr. Wright began his plaster model of Bishop Pompallier in March of last year and when the work was completed it was scut to London to lie east in bronze. Artistically, it is ;t striking illustration of the sculptor's art. The strength of character and physique of the bishop are revealed, the impression being that of a prelate of fine bearing. noble features and strong, kindly mouth. Life-size, the bunt Is i;,o oirty one of its kind in the Dominion. Bishop I'onipallier is shown in episcopal dress, with mantelleta, stole, skull-cap, pai-fc toral Cross, insignia of t lit- Knight of the Holy Sepulchre and the t'ross of the Legion of Honour. His flowing hair is CRUght by the dotted cowl, which adds to* the effect when the bust is viewed from either side.