THE ART EXHIBITION,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 529, 29 January 1870, Page 2

THE ART EXHIBITION,

The near approach of the day fixed for our maiden effort in art exhibitions necessarily induces considerable interest in the project, and no little surmise aB to the probabilities of success. Up to the present time, the public have been kept in almost complete ignorance of the progress being made by the managing committee, and no doubt an outline of matters as they now stand will prove generally acceptable. The courtesy of the gentlemen arranging the preliminary details of the exhibition has enabled us to obtain material for this. It may be safely assumed tbat a very gratifying measure of success will be attained ; much greater indeed than was at tbe outset anticipated by the most sanguine promoter of the exhibition. On all sides works of art, virtu, or curiosity are promised in abundance, and the only regret is, in fact, that the building at disposal is co small.

The interior of the Museum building, in which the exhibition is to be held, and the temporary structure erected in front of the main entrance, are both, we understand, in complete preparation for the exhibits. Battens have been placed on the walls in the gallery for suspending pictures from, and hanging space is also provided on the ground floor. Glass oases are in ample provision for articles of virtu, jewelry, or all such exhibits as are likely to suffer from exposure to the air, whilst prints, engravings, &c, will also beplaeed-underglass. The committee are , in fact, fully prepared for the receipt of con - tributions; and, we understand, they are desirous of having them forwarded as early as possible. The number promised is already very large, and will necessarily takes considerable jinrie in arranging, whilst the period intervening is now very short.- Men will he- placed in Charge from the date of the first arrival, the building npt being left by day* or by night, and the .whole..^exhibits' will be under insurance from fire. \ ! In : cbhWering - the numerously varied

articles offered to them, the selection committee have been extremely careful to refuse all but works of real merit. Their duties in this respect have been very onerous, a large number of contributions having to be declined, but still the total is remarkably good, both in number and merit. The pictures will form a striking feature in the exhibition, both oil paintiugs and water colours of the best masters being promised. Amongst them will be the great Monrad collection from Wellington, which is unique and of great value. There will also be from other parts of the colony some paintings by Rembrandt, Horatio M'Culloch's famous pictures of West Highland scenery, the great'water-colour drawing, Deborah, and some works by Moreland, Gully, and Chevalier. The statuary and carvings will also be good, and there will be a large collection of valuable plate and jewelry, a portion of the latter being specially manufactured by our local jewellers. The miscellaneous and curiosity departments promise to be strongly represented, and amongst the contributions we may notice a large number of choice articles of Indian embroidery and carved ivory ; Greek lace exhibited by Lady Bowen ; many works of art from the exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 ; two deeds respectively of the reigns of Edward Ist, and Queen Elizabeth, with their seals complete. Many curious old booka and publications, including a Bible printed in the year 1596, the original plates of Cipt. Cook's travels, sketches hy Victor Hugo, and a multiplicity of other articles that will well repay an examination.

Tha inaugural day has been fixed for the Bth proximo, when the committee will assemble at three p.m., the public being admitted by ticket. Mr C. C. Bowen, R.M., will represent the managing committee, and his Honor the Superintendent will deliver an opeuing address. Previous to and following this a special band will play appropriate air?, the whole being concluded by the National Anthem. On that day the building will be closed at 6 p.m., but during the remainder of the time the exhibition will be open, the hours of admission will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 p.ra. to 10 p.m. daily.

One month has, so far, been decided upon as the period for which the exhibition will be continued, and during that time there will be four or more evening conversaziones. The price* of admission are extremely moderate, and will not place the exhibition beyond tbe reach of any one. For the month, 12s 6d will give the entree to gentlemen on all occasions when the exhibition may be open, and 7s 6d to ladies. On ordinary occasions ls each will be charged to those who do not hold season tickets, but on the opening day and during special evening entertainments, that sum will be increased to 2s Gd. Dr Haast, Messrs Griffiths, Lean, Montgomery, and J. S. Williams are appointed as the hanging committee, and will in fact have the general supervision of the exhibitive arrangements. Dr Haast, Messrs Nottidge, Walton, Bird, and Lean will have special charge of the entertainments and music ; and Messrs Nottidge, Bowen, Walton, Mountfort, and Lean, the catalogues.