BIOLOGY AND ART.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13747, 31 May 1910, Page 8

BIOLOGY AND ART.

LECTURE BY PROFESSOR CHILTON.

An interesting lecture" was given by Professor Chilton in connection with the Arts and Crafts Guild of the School of Art on Friday last, the subject being •'Biology for Art Students.'' The lecture was illustrated with lantern slides ot drawings and photographs, and tliero v.as a good attendance of art' students. Dr. Chilton, after showing examples of tree fc.rms in various countries, drew attention to the many' beautiful native plants which we have in our midst, instancing tbe growth and structure which are so useful to the designer iiul painter alike. Not only was tiie plant form of «er-ice to the New Zealand artist, but also the animal and bird b'f'o was of use, particularly in the or.se of the Hutton Memorial 'Medal, tho design of which, oxecutod by Professor Lanteri, contained tbo tuatara (which was miscalled a lizard, and was really a. meivber of tho crocodile family) and the kiwi.

The lecturer then proceeded to show photographs of some of the plants *to be found in the outlying islands of New Zealand. Various forms of sea life were exhibited, comprising crustaceans and molluscs taken by the German Deep Sea Expedition of ISP°. and a series of designs of German artists based on those forms which were used for the cover and head and tailpieces in the published reports . A number of microscopic views gave a marvellous insight into the work of the greatest designer of all —Nature herself. A number of slides showing fungi in its beautiful and varied rorm brought to a close a very interesting r.nd instructive lecture.

Mr Herdman Smith remarked on the beauty of many of the forms shown, ana tbo suggestions for design that v ore given by the lines and shapes in the examples before them, and pointed cut the advantage that the art student would receive by studying more closely those forms ol '•Nature.

Mr Hurst Soager, who was present, raid a tribute to the lato Mr Charles Kidso;i. who was essentially a New Zealand designer,, end offered a series of photos of his work to the School of Art, where Mr Kidson was a studeno and master for so many years.

On the motion of the chairman (Mr J. C. Adams) a vote' of thanks to Dr. Chilton «*o.s carried by acclamation. A vr.te of thanks to Mr Adams ; for pre- : siding closed the .meeting. The usual competitions were held, and there was a large collection, comprising landscape/:E_iH life, illustrative, design, class architecture, etc., sent in. •