EXHIBITION OF ART.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20679, 26 September 1930, Page 14

EXHIBITION OF ART.

AN EMPIRE VENTURE. DISPLAY IN LONDON PLANNED. AUCKLAND SUPPORT SOUGHT. A proposal to hold in London a representative exhibition of art from all parts of the British Empire, was outlined in a letter received from tho Royal British Colonial Society of Artists at the annual meeting of tho Auckland Society of Arts last evening. The proposal is for an exhibition of overseas art in the galleries of tho Royal Academy of Arts in London for eight weeks, from early in January noxt year to tho middle of March. The letter stated it was expected that tlnire would be no difficulty in providing hanging spaco for about 1600 pictures and bronzes, the average number hung in the 16 rooms of the Royal Academy. Tho letter said tho whole of tho expenses of the exhibition at the London end would bo tho responsibility of the Royal British Colonial Society. These expenses, which would amount to several thousand pounds, would includo unloading at tho docks, tho expenses of upkeep of tho gallery during the exhibition, hanging and unhanging, advertising, printing, unpacking and repacking, carriage and insurance in Great Britain.

A request for tlio Auckland Society's views 011 llio matter was included in the letter. 11. was pointed out that as such an exhibition would bo very expensive for tho British Society it would hardly be advisable to undertake it unless it was assured of tho hearty support of overseas bodies and that the very best and most important work from tho various artists and art societies throughout the Empire would be contributed. An alternative suggestion had been made that tho exhibition should be limited to half of tho galleries of the lloyal Academy, the letter added. In this event tho exhibition would be held later in the year and would include about 750 works, but ifcNvas hoped to receive support from all parts of the Empire m favour of the larger exhibition. Dr. E, B. G'unson, president of the Auckland Society, said the proposal would be discussed at a conference of delegates from all New Zealand art societies in Wellington on October 3. It was very desirable that New Zealand should support and take part in such an exhibition, but there were great difficulties to be overcome.