THE CORONATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23012, 13 April 1938, Page 12

THE CORONATION

DOMINIONS' GIFT MR. SALISBURY'S PAINTING PRESENTATION TO KING THE SCENE IN THE ABBEY [from OUR OWN correspondent] LONDON, March 26 The magnificent painting by Mr. Frank 0. Salisbury of the Coronation j scene in Westminster Abbey last year I at the moment of the Benediction, was j presented to the King at Buckingham ; Palace yesterday by the High Com- : missioners - for the Dominions "as a | token of loyalty and affection" of Can- ; ada, Australia, New Zealand and the j Union of South Africa. A letter signed by the four Prime j Ministers was read by Mr. Vincent j Massey, representing the senior Dominion, Canada. "Your Majesty will recall having graciously consented to accept a paint- ! ing in oils of the ceremony of the Coronation, which the Prime Ministers of Your Majesty's Dominions, who had the honour of being present in Westminster Abbey, expressed the desire to present to Your Majesty, and to Her Majesty the Queen, on behalf of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa," the letter stated. "We now respectfully ask Your Majesty's acceptance of the painting, which the artist, Mr. Frank 0. Salisbury, has 'completed. We have instructed the High Commissioners of our respective Governments in London to convey this submission to Your Majesties. It will be supplemented by a duly signed letter of presentation. King Expresses His Pleasure "It is our earnest hope that this memento of an event which was one of deep significance and happiness, may serve as a symbol of the abiding loyalty and affection of Your Majesty's peoples of* tho Dominions on whose behalf the presentation is being made." The King thanked the High Commissioners for the gift, and asked that his pleasure and gratitude be conveyed to the Prime Ministers and the people of the Dominions. "Wonderlul Piece oi Work" "It is a wonderful # piece of work." said the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Mr., W. J. Jordan, afterwards. "The likenesses of the many distinguished people are strikingly good, including that of Mr. Savage." Mr. Salisbury has been at work on the painting continuously since the Coronation. All the members _ of the Roval Family have sat for him. and King Edward the Confessor's Crown was from the Tower of London for him to work from. The picture is lOJft. high and 17ft. wide when in its frame, which bears the Dominions' Arms in its corners and is surmounted by the Royal Arms. After the formal presentation to the King, the picture was returned to Mr. Salisbury's studio at Hampstead, for he has yet to work for three weeks to complete it. The King and Queen have promised another sitting. Then it is to be hung in the Royal Academy's summer exhibition, and. afterwards, _ it will probably be placed on free view for some time in one of London's public buildings before returning to Buckingham Palace.

Moment of the Benediction Mr. Salisbury's greatest care has been to reproduce every detail and for this, in addition to its wealth of colour, the picture is remarkable. The scene, chosen by His Majesty, is the moment of the Benediction. The King, seated on the Throne, i 3 crowned. He holds the two Sceptres and is wearing the Royal Cloth of the Gold Robe. The Queen, 'also, is seated, but every other person, including Queen Mary and the Royal Dukes and Duchesses, is standing;. , , The Dominion Premiers are at the extreme right. Mr. Savage is seen in profile, standing between General J. Hertzog and Mr. J. A. Lyons. The picture is one that can be studied for a full half hour, so interesting is the detail and so attractive is the colour. It is certain that, it will be among the outstanding works at the Royal Academy this ye^r.