LONDON STUDIES IN SCULPTURE

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26887, 13 November 1952, Page 6

LONDON STUDIES IN SCULPTURE

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER RETURNS TO N.Z. (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 12.

"As Paris is the world centre for painting, so is London the world centre for sculpture,” said Mr W. R. Allen in an interview in Wellington today. The first holder of the scholarship awarded by the New Zealand Art Societies since its value has been increased to £lOOO. Mr Allen has returned to Wellington after completing the diploma course in the Royal College of Arts sculpture school.

The diploma entitles him to append the letters A.R.C.A. to his name. He has made a specialised study of wood carving. architecture, terracotta work, stone carving, and modelling in concrete Mr Allen has plans for an exhibition in Wellington next year and it is believed that he will be employed by the Government Architect’s branch on the decoration of certain new schools, Mr Allen studied at the School of Art, Canterbury University College, and also at the Masterton Technical High School before going to London. His parents live in Palmerston North'. In London, he worked with Frank Dobson. A.R.A., James Woodford. R.A., John Skeaping, A.R.A., and other leading sculptors on important commissions.

“There is no question that the Arts Societies’ scholarship is an extremely valuable one,” Mr Allen said. “The range of experience in all art forms and particularly sculpture is limited for a student in New Zealand. A postgraduate course overseas is essential.”