AN ARTISTIC TRIBUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7847, 8 July 1911, Page 9

AN ARTISTIC TRIBUTE

NEW ZEALAND’S CORONATION • ARCH. moil DUP. SPECIAL CCmr.ESPONDENT. LONDON, May 26. New Zealand's Coronation arch will bo worthy of “the biighu-r-t. jewel in the Crown of Empire." The design accepted is the work of Mr Frank Brangwyn, A.R.A. Unconventional in style, it has a light, almost festive grace and all architectural dignity which, combined, produce complete harmony with its purpose and its environment. , Two strong and stately piers, not, unlike the pylons of ancient Rome, gain a classic parity, of stylo from the Corinthian columns wlncn rise above the plinth. The capitals, have an original and incasing ornament in the strongly moulded fruit which trails below flic suspended garlands. The tops ot the panels are also draped with moulded ) estoons, below which, ,in the centreni are medallions, encircled with laurel wreaths. A finely moulded cornice sweeps up from the piers to the central shield, on which is emblazoned “Now Zealand.” Above the shield four cupids hold aloft an Imperial crown, while cornucopias spill their abundant fruits over the edge of the cornice—a most effective and original method of treatment. The boldly modelled vases on the piers are partly draped with laurels, and will be reproduced to represent old copper. Below the crown of the areb rich tasselled draperies will form a bright fringe of colour do the stone-hues of the piers. The special attributes of New Zealand are suggested by ranis’ heads and the cornucopias a.nd’thcir contents, but beyond those artistic suggestions of the fact that tho arch is Now Zealand’s tribute to the great Imperial character of the Coronation no attempt lias been made to advertise the Dominion, a fact upon which tho London “Standard” comments thus: "This is a wise restraint which deserves to be recorded." Tho medallions will be worthy of the arch. They are being modelled by Professor Lanteri, the Inad of the Modelling School of the Royal College of Art. The subjects chcsA are Queen Victoria. King Edward, the present King and Queen, Captain Cook, and Sir Joseph Ward. The arch is to bo erected cai Whitehall, just opposite the Treasury, and will he about 4-0 feet wide, allowing a clear carriageway of about 22 feet. The ero'ticn of the arch has been entnift-d to Messrs Turpin, who are to carry out tho decorative schemes for Bond street and Piccadilly.