NEW ZEALAND ACADEMY

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12247, 19 September 1925, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND ACADEMY

OPENING OF EXHIBITION. NECESSITY FOR NEW BUILDING STRESSED. The annual exhibition of the N.Z. Academy of Fine Arts was opened in the Gallery, Whitmore street, last night, bv the Hon. Dr W. E. Collins. Air Hunt (president of the Academy), in introducing Dr. Collins, apologised for the absence of the Governor-General, who had promised to open the Exhibition but was unable to do so owing to his absence from Wellington. The Prime Minister was also unable to attend Dr. Collins was one. of the oldest members of the Academy, having joined at its opening in 1882, and ho had shown lus interest in it in many ways. NEW BUILDING WANTED Mr Hunt said he was sorry they were still compelled to hold tlieir exhibition in the same small building. When they had something better, he thought Wellington would come into its own in the matter of Art. Ho referred to the various schemes for a new Museum and Art Gallery, which had been discussed by the Government and a citizens’ committee, and said that many hundreds lmd been promised. He was only afraid that these donors might not be willing to hold their donations for an indefinite period if nothing was done. The Government had been asked to set aside a definite site, anil the site suggested had been satisfactory. If they had a gallery worthy of the city they would have pictures worthy of the gullery, ho was quite sure. Ho referred to the Wanganui Art Gallery, which had already had generous gifts. The Wellington gallery had recently lent some pictures to Wanganui. Dr. Collins, in opening the exhibition, referred to its first opening, when the Earl of Glasgow was Governor, and spoke of the late Mr Barraud. who was a constant contributor. At that time there were some at) to 100 members, and now

they had about 700 more than any other gallery in the Dominion. He also regretted that the provision of an adequate gallery for the permanent collection was still a thing of the future. He regretted the absence of the GovernorGeneral and Lady Alice Fergusson, especially as Lady Fergusson was an exhibitor on this occasion. SOME OF THE EXHIBITS Lady Fergusson’s contribution consists of two charming water-colours, a sketch in Norway, and the cloisters of Wells Cathedral. Among the water-colours, those of Nugent Welch again take pride of place, and in the oils Mrs Tripe has again some fine exhibits, particularly interesting being her figure-study of The Two Models," and her portrait of Mrs dames Hannah, and also of Mrs Earle. Mrs Kelly’s portrait of Mrs Bernard Wood is likewise of much interest. Particularly striking, too, were some wallwork pastela and brilliant still life by Rhona McKenzie. Betty Rhind has a good portrait, and there is good work by Margaret Whitt, not to mention that of such finished artists as L. Manoy, Mrs Sherwood, and others. Among the many visitors last night who were the guests of the president and Mrs Hunt were:—Afr and Miss Nicholls, Professor and Mrs Somerville, Mrs J. Hannah, Mrs Ilott, Afr and Mrs Corrigan, Mr and Mrs Hempton, Mr and Mrs Tripe, Mr and Mrs Hall, Mrs Robieson, Mrs Ashcroft, Mrs Kelly (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs Murray Fuller, Air and Miss Welch, Mrs Johns Mr and Mrs Giflord, Mr and Mrs Jackson, Professor and Airs Florance, Mrs S. Weston, Mrs Fulton', Afrs W. Blundell, Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Townley, Mrs and Miss Betty Rhind, Mrs D’Oyley, Mrs Nutford, Miss D. Richmond, Air and Mrs Richardson, Afiss Dixon, Afrs Whitt, Mr and Miss Harcourt, Airs and Miss Corliss. Mrs Field, Dr. Fell. Mrs Bogle, Mrs Sprott, Mrs and Miss Coleridge, Mrs Kirk, Mis 6 Longford, etc.