ART EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 239, 4 July 1940, Page 11

ART EXHIBITION

Paintings By Mrs. M. E. R. Tripe TRIBUTE TO MEMORY OF NOTED ARTIST Au exhibition of the paintings of the late Mrs. M. E. IL Tripe, who was one of the vanguard in art in tins country, was opened at the National Art Gallery last evening in the presence of many members of the Academy of Fine Arts and art-lovers generally. In declaring the exhibition open the president of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, Mr. G. G. G. Watson, said that lie thought, it probab'e that

lite sentiments of those present, as well as his own, would be to regard the exhibition as a tribute to the memory of the late Mrs. M. E. IL Tripe, and that a privilege had been extended to them by her sou in giving them the opportunity to inspect, study, and enjoy such a very representative collection of her work.

Mrs. Tripe, he said, was one of the most distinguished of contemporary artists in New Zealand, and was one who had exercised a deep influence on art in this country. But her success had not been confined to New Zealand. She had been a successful exhibitor at the Royal Academy (London), the Baris Salon, and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. He would prefer, however, to speak of her association with art in New Zealand—of her student days under the late .Tames M. Nairn and Van tier Veldon. Her name would long be remembered in Wellington in connexion with the art school attached to what was then known as the Wellington Technical School in Wakefield Street. From those days till the time of her death she maintained her high ideals, not only as an artist, but as a teacher, and so furthered the cause of art in this city. Great Versatility. When those present studied the paintings which adorned the walls they would, lie felt sure, gain t wo definite impressions. The first was her amazing versatility—for she attained an eminence in three of art —scenic, still life, and portraiture—' which others would be only too pleased to attain in one—and the growing strength of her work throughout the years. The second impression was that she never flirted with the ultramodern for the stike of being considered ultra-modern.

There were those, perhaps, who thought that this was not the time for art exhibitions, said Mr. Watson But was not that a wrong conception? At a time like tills, when their hearts were filled with deep. emotions and grave thoughts about great events, was it not a time to obtain for a while some measure of repose of mind in the enjoyment of art, literature, and music. He ventured to suggest that such repose was desirable, if not necessary, in such a time of national crisis Mr. Tripe (son of the artist) had faced this question when he arranged the exhibition for their study and the improvement of their thoughts, and be had their thanks.

Before formally opening the exhibition, Mr. Watson asked members of tlie academy to meet a little later in the evening to select from the collection a painting for presentation to the national collection. To collectors he expressed the view that the exhibition offered opportunities to secure a valuable addition to their art treasures, for probably never again would so large and representative a collection of Mrs. Tripe’s works be seen at the one time and place. Finally, Mr. .Watson announced that Mr. Tripe had presented a painting by his mother to be disposed of by art union for the benefit of Red Cross funds. This painting was called “The Golden Scarf,” a portrait valued at 30 guineas. He then formally declared the exhibition open. It was later announced that the painting,'“The Road to Arthur’s Pass.” had been purchased by the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts for the national collection, at a cost of 50 guineas.