NEW ZEALAND ON CANVAS

Southland Times, Issue 23392, 27 December 1937, Page 12

NEW ZEALAND ON CANVAS

ART EXHIBITION IN LONDON LORD BLEDISLOE COMMENTS LONDON, November 20 A large gathering of New Zealanders and Londoners interested in art attended the opening by Lord Bledisloe of the exhibition of oils and watercolours executed by Mr S. J. Lamoma Birch, R.A., R.W.S., during his recent visit to New Zealand, together with a smaller group of scenes of Scotland and the artist’s native Cornwall. “I am not an authority on art, but some people are good enough to say I am an authority on New. Zealand,” said Lord Bledisloe, who was accompanied by Lady Bledisloe, “and I say with perfect candour that no country within the British Empire or outside it has so much outstanding scenic beauty within so small an area. DILIGENT PHOTOGRAPHER “As a photographer who is said to have assembled the largest collection of representative photographs of New Zealand ever attempted, I venture to suggest that some of these pictures, notably that of the Clutha River, display that glamorous beauty and atmospheric joyousness that some of us are wont to associate with New Zealand, especially,” he added, with a wry glance at the dismal November weather outside, “especially in contrast to such a day as this! “Those of you who have not yet made the acquaintance of New Zealand will be entitled to expect to see there the wonderful verdure of the hills and fields, the radiant quality of the sunlight, the extraordinary beauty of the cloud effects, and other scenic attractions of that exceptionally lovely country, as you see it pictured here.” MR BIRCH’S NAME Referring to the artist’s unusual name, Lord Bledisloe explained that Lamorna is not his proper name at all, but that some years' ago Mr Birch fell so deeply in love with that particularly picturesque part of Cornwall called Lamorna Cove that he adopted its name. Lord Bledisloe said he did not know what would happen if they all followed that procedure. For his part, it would certainly be the name of some

place in New Zealand that he would prefix to his own, but the choice would be so difficult that he would probably have to leave it at “New Zealand Bledisloe.” The contras) between the New Zealand pictures, which have already been exhibited in the Dominion and need no further description, with those of Scotland and Cornwall is chiefly one of light and colour, due largely to the crystal clarity of the air and brightness of the sunlight in New Zealand, compared with the mistiness that always softens the English scene. ’ A faithful portrait of an eight and ahalf pound rainbow trout caught at Taupo in January occupies a proud place in the exhibition and testifies to Mr Lamoma Birch’s angling prowess.