ART GALLERY SITE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18889, 12 October 1929, Page 8

ART GALLERY SITE.

To the Editor. Dear Sir, —The question of a suitable site for the new Art Gallery is exercising most people’s minds at the present moment. Thank heaven, the “Builders” have arrested a hasty decision, and they deserve our unstinted thanks. They, at least, recognise the folly and incongruity of placing such a beautiful edifice (according to the plan published) in an out of the way corner, and almost abutting on a roadway. The plan shows a magnificent, rather low set building, each side of which presents a fine artistry, necessitating space to do it justice, instead of its front aspect being viewed from the roadway through iron bars. Apart from this it would utterly destroy the symmetry of our very lovely gardens, and give no equivalent in beauty. I would with all due deference make the suggestion that a most suitable site would be in Hagley Park, near the clump of pine trees by Victoria Lake. Here there would be ample space to see its fine proportions from every aspect. It would be in view from almost every part of Hagley Park and from the road down Park Terrace across the river by day or night, would fie a particularly beautiful and imposing object. On the site I suggest, the old pipes, Victoria Lake, and a smaller pond are an appropriate setting, the pond with its artesian supply being easily made into a very fine fountain at little cost. It is very little further than the Museum, and if the roadway from Armagh Street bridge were planted with oaks, elms or other suitable trees, what more delightful (perhaps in the days to come) than to stroll this shaded walk and find in this noble structure peace, .quiet and some oi the world’s finest pictures. An art galie.y requires to be away from the noise and hurly-burly of the city, and I feel sure the generous donor would approve this.—l am, etc., THE ANCIENT.