N.Z. SCULPTOR'S WORK ACCEPTED BY ACADEMY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22675, 28 June 1948, Page 6

N.Z. SCULPTOR'S WORK ACCEPTED BY ACADEMY

(P A.) WELLINGTON, June 26. A teacher of sculpture at the Wellington Technical College for the last 10 years, Mr. Alex. R. Fraser, A.R.C.A., A.R.8.5., has been notified that his life-size bust, in bronze, of Sir Apirana Ngata has been accepted for this year s exhibition of the Royal Academy, London, which opened about three weeks ago Mr. Fraser is a deft sculptor with a sensitive touch. Mr. Fraser’s conscientious work is by no means unknown in artistic circles in the Old Country. Since 1913, when his work was first admitted to the Royal Academy, he has been successful in being “accepted” on at least a dozen occasions. Mr. Fraser’s airy studio, up a couple of flights from Lambton Quay, is afiare with interest to anyone even remotely concerned with this form of art. At the head of the stairs Andersen Tyrer stares at one with placid con tent; a British bronze of the late Ava Symons rests on the floor. A lovely impression of a gifted violinist who died too soon. There is also a precious Maori warrior in action, carved with rare cunning from a single piece of wood, while a bust of Nurse Alexander looks blankly out on the litter of the studio from the background. Mr. Fraser enjoys his work, because he is that rare combination of artist and craftsman.