TRY TO GILD THE LILY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21380, 24 June 1939, Page 18

TRY TO GILD THE LILY

EPSTEIN ATTACKS “SWOLLENHEADED” OFFICIALS (Special—By Air Mail) LONDON, June 3. Jacob Epstein, whose work lias aroused more controversy than that <>t any other sculptor, this week attacked swollen-headed” officials of museums and art galleries for their treatment jI other people’s creations. He wants a Royal Commission to keep them in check. The damage done to the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum in the process of cleaning has roused hlr to an indictment of “people who. put in official positions, get swelled heads and feel they must try to improve on the inimitable works of the great masters." Mr Epstein said this week: “Set up a Royal Commission to” inquire into the whole question of the care and preservation of British art treasures. “Let the commission set up a committee of experts to check the swollenheaded officials who try to improve on the masterpieces in their charge. If it were a question of medicines or foods, doctors would be consulted. "Consult sculptors, then, before sucn priceless possessions as the Elgin Marbles are tampered with. “Instead of leaving things as they are, custodians get an itch to find jobs to do on them. “The men themselves are not "i blame. They have just carried out instructions given them by officials. “It is time something was done about