NATIONAL GALLERY

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 32, 6 August 1936, Page 18

NATIONAL GALLERY

NOTABLE RECEPTION

MANY HUNDREDS PRESENT

There is little doubt that many of the hundreds of Wellingtons citizens present at the delightful reception given by-Mr. D. A. Ewen (president of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts) and Mrs. Ewen at the new galleries last night found an added pleasure in their beauty and warmth in remembering the coldness of the old Whitmore Street Gallery and the dark shadows of the old Museum. The contrast was very notable.

The, imposing, sweep of the new drive, and the wide handsome steps leading up to the National Art Gallery made an impression to begin with. Then within doors the stately halls, the wide imposing staircases; the interesting vistas of galleries with beautiful china and pottery.and interesting exhibits from all partsof the world; the large Maori Hall—these, apart from the -thrill of the long picture galleries and smaller rooms where the special collections are housed (making ifeasy for any particular period or school of painting to be- found), made a marked impression. The lighting was the subject of special interest and commendation, while the soft tints of the walls set off the fine collections with,which .Wellington has been favoured on loan. People wandered round delighted with the new joy that has come into their lives, realising that those who planned and carried out such a possession for the city have a marvellous reward in the fact that their "dreams have come true."

It was impossible with so many present to get any adequate idea of the pictures, local or loaned, only one here or there could be enjoyed. The story came to mind of the hungry boys who used to haunt the outside of a restaurant in order to smell the appetising odours of the good food being cooked, for it was a case,of "just getting a smell of the good things" and resolving to take time later to enjoy fiilly all that is to be had' at'the gallery. ■'•■There-is. little doubt'that the road to the new galleries will be well worn by Wellington people now that there is so much offered for their enjoyment.

The refreshment rooms came in for much.approval. They are a real neces-sity,-for there is no doubt that the pro--cess of walking round such a big place is tiring;:'although enjoyable, and the refreshment room on the premises should be well patronised if well rim. Last night it looked most, attractive with -the many tables well arranged and adorned with flowers, the supper itself being greatly;: appreciated—with "thanks be" to the'host and hostess who had invited-so many guests to share in the pleasures provided on, this memorable evening.

Mr:-and Mrs. Ewen stbodat the main door of the principal gallery to receive their guests, Mrs; Ewen wearing .a «narming gown of silver tissue, trained and trimmed with diamante. She wore also £ 'short draped cape' of midnight blue shot velvet lined -with pale pink satin. '' •' *

After receiving the guests Mr. Ewen gave an address (reported.elsewhere), and then the guests began their tour through the galleries. The ensemble ■Was most interesting and impressive, all professions and many trades being represented by. well-known people, while the i rocking .was artistic, and there was' a moving kaleidoscope of colouring; in the frocks which added to-the general gaiety and charm.

It was impossible not to.be affected by the pleasure of the large gathering of Wellington folk, as they realised that this was not a fleeting pleasure, but '..one',that has. come to stay with them always, and it will be their part to see that as time goes on art treasures are added making up for the departure of the loan exhibits, which will, of course, be much missed.