ART FOR THE MASSES

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22017, 15 February 1937, Page 6

ART FOR THE MASSES

OVEIi-i)EP£NDENCE ON THE tfICH DEPLORED

LONDON, January. 23

A plea that the creative gifts Of the artist should be used "hot only for the gratification df private people, but for the general' interests of the corhrriuhity," was made by Sir William Rothenstein, addressing the Oxford Luncheon Club to-day.

Artists, fie Said) had to rely on the caprice of a few. wealthy people. It seemed to him that td be dependent on even the kindliest collector was in.itself not enough. Again artd again they could think of possibilities which seemed to many of thertl to be entirely neglected. "From my own experience," added Sir William, "the moment simple people the Ordinary tilings Of life and their ordinary ways of living, set down in paintings they lodk upon them with completely fresh eyes. , "If people in authority and. tions of responsibility would think of these possibilities they would not only 1 be conferring inlrttettse benefits on those'who live round them, but on the creative Vitality 'of- the country. "I do not believe our painters and sculptors would be so wahtdnly experimental if they were in work such as illuminating/-th" common things of life and giving them radiance and decency."