ARTS AND CRAFTS DISPLAY OPENED

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18897, 23 October 1929, Page 16

ARTS AND CRAFTS DISPLAY OPENED

ANNUAL EXHIBITION AT ART GALLERY.

The Arts and Crafts Exhibition of the Canterbury Society of Art was opened by the president (Mr Cyrus J. R. Williams) in the Art Gallery last night. There was a fair attendance. Mr Williams said: “The show which it is my pleasure to declare open this evening comprises the exposition of works of artistic craft such as are not usually included in the exhibition of painting and sculpture, such as this society holds annually. But the exclusion of such exhibits from an exhibition

of painting and sculpture does not imply' that they are less worthy of practice by those who execute them or less worthy of careful examination. One thing which must strike anyone who examines the articles on view here this evening and for the next few day's is the enormous amount of work which the craftsmen have done on producing what at first glance might seem to be an altogether inadequate result financially. The craftsman or artist produces something because he has a thought, an idea, or a dream in his mind, which urges him to express himself by* manufacturing something. He has an itch to use his hands, just as some have an itch to talk and others to

write. But while he intends finally to produce some actual work of art, the pleasure he gets from his occupation is in the doing of it and not in the thing done. Consequent!v, no labour or pains are too much for him, and instead of pushing his work through, as he would if his aim were solely to produce something, or to sell something, he lingers lovingly over his task, loath to put it aside because finishing means parting in some form. And so T commend to vour notice the many' interesting and beautiful things on exhibition here to-night, and hope that wliat I have said may cause you to look with tolerant eyes on that which you may not think perfect, and with appreciation on many which if not perfect are worthy' of such appreciation.”

This is the second exhibition after a lapse of some y’ears, and the general standard of work on view is a distinct improvement on that sent in for .he 192$ view. The graphic an"

sec J?°" is larger and many of the exhibits are of high merit. Mr W S. Ha vers toe. 1 v is represented b> two typical pen and ink drawings and an attractively executed illuminated address m colours. There is an in.cresting group of pencil drawings by Vr - (enn y Campbell and several bv Mrs SawteU ail of trees. Amongst the few wood-cuts are some good spedmens by Mr C. A. Lye. The best is entitled On a New Zealand River" Several etchings by Mr Pascoe Redwood are deserving of praise. They snow nicely executed, clean work and represent architectural and shipping studies in and around Auckland and Melbourne. There are a number of good pencil sketches by Mr F. A. Shurrock, A.R.C.A., including a clever tenminute study, “Unawares.” Mr Bernara Kice, a Continental artist, has on view a number of etchings of varied subjects. All are of high merit. Mrs Elizabeth Wall work, who is very well known in Christchurch, exhibits seven very good pencil portraits. One of Miss Mona Tracy and another of Mr A. L. Croft are excellent. There is a very nice little sketch by Mr W. Menses Gibb, whose work is always very popular. Mrs Amy E. Walcott Wood has sent in several pictures worked in coloured silks. A very realistic effect is gained in the representation of English country gardens. The artist evidently has great patience and a very good idea of colouring. Work of a similar kind and equally unusual is shown in several pictures in wool and

silk by Nurse Francis. Mrs Danvers Ilamber has on view two or three pictures done in raffia. Those who visit: the exhibition will no doubt be surprised to find that a beautiful handmade lacc collar and cuffs arc the work of a man. Mr R. Retallick, a returned soldier. By the same man is a woollen tie of hand-spun and hand-woven wool Very good craftsmanship is shown in a large picture. “An Angel with Lamp,” worked in silk and metal thread by Miss L. Henderson.

Among the special exhibits is a handworked book by' Miss Hilda Wiseman. The decoration shows very' good and artistic workmanship nicely handled. There is a fairly representative collection of hand-painted china, showing originality of design. Mr F. O. Waymouth has on view a pair of brass candlesticks, cast and hand finished. There are several good exhibits of pewter panel and enamel work by Mrs Winifred Benham. The School of Art is represented by a number of examples of metal work, including a fine standard lamp and shade. Entries in the students’ competition

are, with the exception of one or two groups, most disappointing. Christchurch is not even represented in the poster competition—the only two exhibits are from Dunedin—and there is only one entry for the painting from life. The painting in the landscape or seascape competition is more satisfactory’. There are five entries, and the water colour work of the winner, Miss Enga Washbourn, of Nelson, is creditable. In the still life, too, then* is very’ good competition and the work* is, for students, good. Prizes have been awarded as follows:—Still life: Ivan W. Athfield 1, Lecie MacArthur 2. Landscape: Enga M. Washbourn 1. Poster: Rodnev Kennedy 1. Head from life: Ruth Turner 1. u t<