RECOGNITION OF ARTISTS
(To the Editor.)
Sir, —May I raise a point in connection with your report of that interesting and encouraging ceremony, the unveiling of a plaque to Professor Kirk in Victoria University College? In your report of the ceremony you did not mention the name of the artist who made the memorial, Miss Margaret Butler, nor was her name included in the letterpress under the illustration. You did mention her elsewhere, but I don't think this is quite the same thing. I raise the point as a matter of principle. There is a disposition in this country to give artists less than their due. Sometimes the names of givers of works of art are a good deal more prominent than the names of the artists, who, after all, do count for something. One statue in a public place that I have in mind hears in large letters the name of the giver (to whom all thanks), but one has to search to find the name of the sculptor.
Since your report appeared I have! had an opportunity of looking again I at some of the statues in Christchutch. ] I could not find the artist's name on the new statue to James Edward Fitzgerald. On the statue of William Rolleston, further along, that incomparable avenue, the sculptor's name is not at all conspicuous. Who did the statue of John Robert Godley, one of the best we have? I should say few of the thousands who pass it daily could answer the question. I had a look for the name myself from the front, but did not see it. There are, of course, difficulties in the way of making the artist's name prominent; he would not wish it plastered on his work. Still, ;the principle that he is entitled to recognition should be kept in mind. I notice that the Professor Kirk plaque bears Miss Butler's initials, neatly inscribed in the corner. May I ask if there will be any further indication to students and visitors; now and in the future, that the memorial is the work of Miss Butler? Will we have people asking who "M. B." is? — I am, etc., ALAN MULGAN.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19401127.2.41.1
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 129, 27 November 1940, Page 6
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364RECOGNITION OF ARTISTS Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 129, 27 November 1940, Page 6
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