VALUABLE FINERY

Evening Star, Issue 22193, 22 November 1935, Page 8

VALUABLE FINERY

HISTORIC STAMPS AND RELICS LOAN EXHIBITION AT MUSEUM Indicative of the vast wealth of the Dunedin community in the form of private art collections and also of the wide general appreciation of the beauty expressed in articles of necessity by the /patient foreign races of the earth, a valuable exhibition of Oriental and European needlework and handcraft, together with stamps and relics of particular historic interest, was opened last night on the top floor of the new Willi Eels wing of the Museum. It was an auspicious occasion, hundreds of visitors being the guests of the Association of Friends of the Museum and the Otago Institute at a delightful conversazione and preview of the exhibits, which won the admiration of every art lover. Exquisite textiles, laces and fans transformed the austere gallery into a hall of warmth and beauty. Side byside with the delicate patterns' of landscapes and lifelike images patterned and coloured into cloths that expressed the individuality and tireless energy of their originators, were case upon case of priceless Chinese, Japanese, and Indian silks and embroideries, embodying every hue of the spectrum in their meticulous designs. Perhaps the most magnificent creation certainly the most characteristic—was a Mongolian temple piece, which commanded _ admiration because of its highly artistic needlework. Nevertheless, this was excelled in two small draperies, consisting of minute Oriental characters perfectly conceived in silks of a myriad colours. Unfortunately, because- of their comparative insignificance, these masterpieces of needle art were somewhat overlooked—perhaps it could be said overshadowed by the more striking array of materials in their immediate vicinity. Paisley shawls, dating back to the English fashions of a century ago, were an engrossing contrast to the finery of spidery laces and veils produced by busy Indian fingers. Another absorbing study was provided by the variety of distinctive features as expressed in the fans of.several nations, but, in' particular, the quaint grass designs of the South Sea Islanders.

A memorable page of South Sea history, surrounding the ghastly Bounty mutiny at Pitcairn Island, was graphically illustrated in that section specially devoted to an exhibition of a bronze pintle and rudder gudgeon of the illfated H.M.S. Bounty. Pregnant with memories of a grisly incident on the high seas, these valuable fragments of a once stout ship were recently salvaged at Pitcairn Island and purchased for the Museum by Mr Parkin Christian, a descendant of one of the mutineers, from the income of the Dr D. Colquhoun bequest. They were the cynosure of attention in a skilfullyplanned layout, containing also an appropriate collection of literature (loaned by the M‘Nab and Hocken Libraries), including a narrative of the mutiny, autographed by its author, William Bligh, and Byron’s verses on the event in a handsome volume printed many years ago by the Dunedin office of a prominent publishing house. Finally, but possessing equal, and in some cases greater, interest for many visitors, there was an extensive display of stamps, including a valuable series of New Zealand prints, which was, however, only a portion of the fine collection bequeathed to the Museum by the late Mr Hugh Robertson, of Oamaru. The stamps constituted a unique document of current history as regards the despatch of mails, for among them were many moderately recent air mail issues. Visitors to the exhibition last night were formally welcomed by Dr W. J. Mullin (chairman of the Association of Friends of the Museum), who expressed thanks to the University Council, the Chancellor, and Dr Benham for permitting the use of the Museum wing for the exhibition, and also to all who had generously loaned articles for their joint instruction and amusement. The Ladies’ Committee was thanked for its assistance in arranging for the exhibition, while special appreciation was shown of the hard work performed by the Museum staff, particularly Miss Li. Daff, who arranged the exhibits, and iMr R. M'Lauchlan for his trouble with

the stamp collection. Miss Hart and Mrs Jackson Purdie were thanked for assisting Miss Daff with, the collection of materials, ' ' Endorsing these expressions of thanks on .behalf of the Otago branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr A. R. Andrew (president) said that the exhibition had been jointly arranged on account of the common interest of both organisations in the Museum. He hoped that in future there would be greater and closer collaboration between them, and that the institute might be able to assist in the furtherance of the Museum’s schemes. He then referred to the forthcoming departure of the curator (Mr H. D. Skinner), who was to tour abroad, visiting Europe, to continue study for 10 months on matters affecting Museum administration. At the speaker’s instigation, good wishes for an enjoyable trip were extended to Mr and Mrs Skinner, this being carried by acclamation.

Mr Skinner returned thanks, and went on to say that it was due to the interest of the societies here represented that the Museum’s galleries progressed as they were doing. The exhibition before them was really a tribute to them all, he said, and proceeded to outline features of interest in the exhibiton. Examination of the exhibits followed, and later in the evening supper was served in the Maori house.