FRENCH CLUB

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 283, 27 August 1935, Page 4

FRENCH CLUB

Address by Dr. Carbery

The last reunion of the Cercle Francais was held in the reception hall of the Pioneer Club Dr. A. D. Carbery gave a most interesting address on “L’Art Decorati" Francais,” illustrated by excellent lantern views, which was preceded by a musical programme. Those contributing were Mrs. C. Stephens, who played two Brahms waltzes; Miss Mabel Mclntosh, whose son" “Rltoutneile” (Chaminade), was followed bv “Si Mes Vers Avalent des Ailes” (Hahn), accompanied by Mrs. Stephens; Mr. Donald Woodward, two ’cello items, “Ave Verttm” (Mozartl and “Melodic” (Henry Purcell) ; Mrs. Harvey, song “LEte” (words by Edouard Guinand, music by Chaminade). accompanied by Mrs. G. P. Aldridge. Community singing, under the leadership of Dr. Keys, was much enjoyed. Madame Bendall held the customary coni .rsation class. Professor F. F. Mi es presided during the eveuig, which concluded with supper. Dr. Carbery’s lecture was followed with close attention, and the clear views shown to illustrate the address made it especially entertaining. After listening to the speaker, it is easy to believe that by the beauty of France's decorative arts has French culture spread thro yhout the civilised world. If it cannot be said that France is truly the mother of art, at least it may be claimed that the first attempts of man in decorative art are found in France, in the mural work of the Dordogne cave-dwellers. Listeners were

; ninded of the statement that war encourages the arts more than peace, that the crusades created the arts of the Middle Ages, and that the campaigns of Francis /I in Italy brought about the Renaissance Francaise. Under Louis XIV came a new Renaissance of the Arts Decora tifs. The art of the decoration of the dwelling was enthusiastically cultivated. Versailles became the well from which all Europe drew inspiration in architecture and decorative arts, furniture and furnishings. the influence of this period being felt to-day. Louis XIV has been reproached for extravagance, luxury and enormou.- outlay connected with decorative arts, but this expenditure, condemned as ruinous, had its economic advantages. Al] Europe imitated Versailles; France was turned fo as Sovereign of Styles. This prestige had been anticipated by Colbert, whose counsel did so much for the commercial aggrandisement of France. The progress of French culture did not cease with the death of Louis XIV, its triumphal march continued under his successor.