PRIVATE VIEW

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 121, 18 November 1939, Page 18

PRIVATE VIEW

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

SOCIETY'S BEST EXHIBITION

The private view for the opening of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts annual exhibition took place at the National Art Gallery last night,' when the main gallery was crowded with members and guests for the occasion. '

The president of the society, Mr. G. G. Gibbes Watson, in.declaring the exhibition open, said that the society was very proud of the 'exhibit this year. It. was the' best, and the largest they had shown since the society's inception many years ago. And it considered the standard of the work was the highest yet shown in New Zealand. He also drew* attention to the International Art Exhibition, which was also open to those present, and had previously been opened officially. The president said that he hoped that some of the magnificent and more important pictures it contained would be retained in New Zealand. This was not a matter for Wellington only, but for every citizen in New Zealand who took an interest in art and culture.

, He also announced the prize-win-ners of the members' art union, and remarked that one of the substantial prize-winners had joined' the academy only the day before. •

The large crowd of art lovers present included many well-known Wellington people, artists, and country visitors. Beautiful gowns were worn by many women, and . they and their escorts showed to. great advantage framed in the setting of spacious and handsome galleries, and against the rich background of beautiful or interesting pictures.