"Navigator" May Go

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31097, 28 June 1966, Page 18

"Navigator" May Go

“The Navigator,” an abstract sculpture from the Italian exhibition which toured New Zealand late last year, may have to go back to its maker, Francesco Somaini, instead of into the new science school of the University of Canterbury because an import licence advisory committee will not approve the expenditure of £ls(fo in overseas funds.

The Architectural Division of the Ministry of Works which, in consultation with an ad hoc university committee, bought the work from an allocation for decorative features in the £3 million science school contract, reported this to the Canterbury University Council yesterday. The division said it had sought financial authority through Mr P. J. Tornory, organiser of the touring show

for the Arts Council, through the Art Galleries’ and Museums’ Association of New Zealand, and through the stores manager of the division, all without success. The import licence committee suggested a competition among sculptors in New Zealand because of the state of overseas funds. The Vice-Chancellor (Professor N. C. Phillips) said this raised an issue of principle. Professor Phillips said renewed efforts to secure the sculpture could be supported because:

(1) The work and the university were of international character and, although New Zealand might be isolated geographically, it must not be insulated by man-made policy.

(2) The theme of the work was appropriate to discovery in science. (3) Direct purchase at £l5OO was a bargain without commission. (4) The sculptor was of undoubted international reputation.

(5) The Government allocation for such purchases of works of art was by no means exhausted. Professor Phillips said the New Zealand sculpture competition had merit and the country undoubtedly had artistic talent but the maximum prize would be £lOOO. Mr D. W. Bain said this purchase was arranged by the Ministry of Works and an ad hoc committee. There was possible doubt whether all members of the council would have supported an application for overseas funds for this particular piece. The Pro-Chancellor (Mr T. H. McCombs) said the allocation was made in the building grant for an appropriate work of art. There was no doubt about the international importance of “The Navigator” although there might be varied opinions about it The council decided to make an application for overseas funds itself through the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.