THE ART GALLERY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22131, 10 June 1935, Page 10

THE ART GALLERY

LAST YEAR'S ACTIVITIES PROBLEM OF CONGESTION " Tho question of new quarters for the art gallery is an urgent one and should be settled speedily, because of tho restricted accommodation at the disposal of tho art gallery and the corelative problem of library expansion," states tho director of the gallery, Mr. John Barr, in his report for tho year 1931-35. " Unless something is done to solve these matters without further delay the advancement of both institutions will bo further seriously retarded." The report mentions that during the year tho gallery acquired three paintings and threo drawings by gift and a plaster bust, an oil painting and a lithograph by purchase. Five additions were made to the print collection, which now contains 305 items. The loan exhibition of contemporary British art arranged by tho Empire Art Loan Collections Society, London, was held from July 30 to August 26. Tho total attendance was 10,076 and the receipts from all sources woro £355. The expenses will not be made up until the collection is returned to London, but it is expected that the result will show a small credit balance.

The exhibition of Japanese prints lent by Captain G. Humphreys Davies was visited by 4911 persons between September 20 and December 1.

After the British exhibition the city and Mackelvie galleries "were repainted in more suitable colours, and Mr. Barr hopes that funds will be available this year for redecorating tho other rooms, which look drab by comparison. Both tho city and Mackelvie collections of pictures were reining on the single line method, with much advantage to the appearance of tho galleries. The Mackelvie trustees installed a storage to hold tho large number of pictures in their collection which cannot be displayed for lack of wall apace.