ART WORKS ON SHIP

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10732, 1 November 1928, Page 3

ART WORKS ON SHIP

VALUABLE 1 BRITISH PICTURES ABOARD BERENGARIA.

AMERICAN CUSTOMS BAN PUBLIC EXHIBITION, CBrltisn Official Wireless.! RUGBY. Oct. 30. Surprise is expressed here at the decision of tho New York Customs authorities forbidding the show of pictures aboard the Berengnria, in the saloon of which collections of works by British artists had been arranged for exhibition during the voyage, and on arrival at New York. The exhibition was organised by Sir Joseph Duveen and other art experts in order to bring the best works of lesser known British artists to the notice of collectors and others.

The exhibition was opened by Air Ramsay AlaeDonald at Southampton before the Berengaria sailed from England, and the action of the Customs authorities in America was entirely unexpected. Arrangements had been made for a reception on hoard at which Sir Joseph Duveen and Sir Martin Conway, who accompanied the exhibition, were to have been hosts. It is hoped that the negotiations which are proceeding may result in the removal of the difficulties which have arisen. It was never intended that the works should leave the ship before they were sold, and it was not anticipated that the question of import duties would be raised so long as the works remained on board. -

The present voyage of the Beren* garia is the first occasion on which the liner has carried with her a picture gallery of works for sale. The exhibition contains 304 works, each priced by the artist, and as Sir Joseph Duveen lias agreed to bear all expenses the price of any work sold will be handed over to the artist. without deduction. DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME. UUBLIC TO BE ALLOWED TO VIEW PICTURES. (British. Offioial Wireless.} RUGBY, Oct, 30. The difficulties raised by the United States Customs authorities have tmen satisfactorily overcome. the sponsors of the exhibition. Sir Martin Conwa v and Sir Joseph Duveen, having fulfilled certain' " technical formalities at the request of the Customs .authorities. A private view of the pictures was held yesterday arid a public- view is being held today aboard the liner as originally arranged.