EXHIBITION OF ART

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26985, 10 March 1953, Page 2

EXHIBITION OF ART

WORK OF BYAM SHAW STUDENTS A fine exhibition of work by students of the Byam Shaw School of Drawing and Painting, London, was opened at the Overseas League clubrooms last evening. Thoughathe exhibition is small the standard is high and there are some outstanding drawings on view. The display includes works in oils, figure and character drawings, landscapes, pocket sketch book pictures and a group of preliminary roughs for a set of illustrations to “The Ancient Mariner.”

A small portrait in egg tempera by a New Zealand student, Beverley Shore, aroused much interest. It was entitled “Yeoman Gaoler of H.M. Tower of London” arid was notable for its form and colour.

The exhibition aims at showing sample studies done at a London art school and the type of work the student learns. The school, which was founded by Byam Shaw in 1910, works oh the apprentice system, whereby students assist the principals in carrying out commissioned mural decorations. There f are only about 60 students at the school and because of the small number the -six instructors can give close individual attention to the students. There are no set courses in the school.

A note of modestry is introduced in the title of the school, which claims to teach drawing and painting, for the staff holds that it is an impertinence to suggest art can be taught. Students from all parts of the world attend the school, which teaches sound technical methods and the basic principles of colour and composition in drawing, painting and pictorial design. Senior students are encouraged to make more specialised studies in portrait, mural, flower and landscape painting. Shown in conjunction with the exhibition is a display of mounted photographs of places of scenic and historic interest in Britain, supplied by the British Travel and Holidays Association.