“BREAKFAST TIME, RIVA.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20283, 16 December 1927, Page 7

“BREAKFAST TIME, RIVA.”

NEW PICTURE FOR DUNEDIN ART GALLERY. A picture presented to the Dunedin Art Gallery at Ispgan Park by the New Zealand Breweries’ Company has reached Dunedin, and is now hanging in the gallery, where it forms a bright and attractive centre on the western wall. The company entrusted Sir Lindo Ferguson, who is on a visit to England, to select a picture, and Sir Lindo’s choice fell on an oil painting, which was shown at the Academy exhibition in London this year, entitled, “ Breakfast Time, Riva,” by Harry Watson, a well-known British artist. Mr Watson was represented in the collection of pictures at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition by two works, one of which, “ The Doone Valley,” was pur. chased by the Wellington Art Society. The other, entitled “ The Town Girl,’’ was also much admired. The picture presented to the Dunedin Gallery covers a canvas measuring 40in by 54in, and represents groups of figures seated at breakfast tables with an exquisite prospect before their eyes, viewed through arching entry-ways. One notices the contrast of the cool atmosphere of the room with the sunlight on the arches and objects out of doors The painting is noteworthy for its blend of strength with refinement, the latter quality expressing itself particularly in the low-toned har monies of the interior It is a most rest ful work* and the most attractive, and, in an all-round sense, satisfying picture added to the city’s collection for a con siderable time. The visitor to the gallery cannot but feel that it would be very nice indeed to be able to join the party which, in such charming surroundings, is break fasting at Riva. The picture is hung in gallerv I), where Mr Ncilson (secretary) has made some readjustments in order to give such an acqui. sition a suitable «etting.