MODELS FOR COOK STATUE ARE RECEIVED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18926, 23 November 1929, Page 9

MODELS FOR COOK STATUE ARE RECEIVED.

WILL BE PLACED ON EXHIBITION NEXT WEEK. The models prepared by New Zealand sculptors in connection with the comPe l ton for the design of the statue of . a^i. aill +hat is being presented to the city by Mr M. F. Barnett, were received at the Art Gallery this morn, mg and were inspected by Mr and Mrs Barnett, and the architect, Mr H. St. A. Murray. Four of the models are to be S?w. bI ‘ C next week, but the will not be made until late next month, as another model is being brought out from England by Mr J. J. Dougall, on behalf of Mr T. Clapperton, a London sculptor. Those who have already sent in modeis are Messrs R. N. Field (Dunedin), W. T Trethewey and F. A. SAurrock (Christchurch), and W. H. r*"• Auckland). Mr F. G, Gurnsey, of Christchurch, withdrew from the competition, and two model's received from Mr W. H. Felden, of Auckland which have been carved in Oamaru stone, are not being placed on exhibitwn* . The f° u r models that are being exhibited to the public have been cast in plaster. Mr Field, who is an instructor at the Dunedin School of Art, has portrayed Captain Cook as a naval man and adventurer, and the model suggests an attitude of thoughtfulness. The famous navigator is shown in the naval dress of the period, standing in a small boat, with his left foot resting on the prow. He is wearing a cocked hat. and is carrying a sword. The suggestion conveyed by the model is that of keenness to disembark on a newly-found land, and h note of simplicity is struck. Mr Field explains that in a small model it is not possible to convey the facial expression truly, but merely to give a suggestion of the finished statue. The statue faces very slightly to the right. Mr Trethewey, who has designed a number of war memorials in Canterbury, has submitted an impressive model, which is half the full size of the statue. The model conveys the suggestion of an early morning scene in which Captain Cook has just come on the deck of his ship, and with his left hand resting on a capstan, is gazing in the direction of the land. The morning breeze is blowing back his coat and there is a look of fixed determination on the face of the explorer. The model stands on a wooden base, and is particularly well executed. Mr F. A. Shurrock, of the School of Art, Christchurch, has put a great amount of detail into his model, which is on a scale of 3 inches to 1 foot. He has endeavoured to express in the arrangement and design of the figure those strong and able characteristics which Cook possessed in such a remarkable degree. He states that the personal portrait cannot be satisfactorily worked on a small scale only, but he has made an effort to convey a general impression of what the finished statue would look like. The figure, which is shown in the naval costume of the period, is looking to the right. For the purpose of giving an idea of the scale of his design Mr Shurrock has introduced a model of a New Zealand sailor, representing a man sft 9in in height. The model of the base which Mr Shurrock has submitted, also contains a great deal of detail. It is to be made of unpolished granite, with four panels, each of which is to be specially treated. The front panel is to be lettered, and Mr Shurrock has suggested the following wording: “Erected in honour of Captain James Cook, R.N., who first visited New Zealand, October 7, 1769. He was an able navigator, equalled by few, excelled by none. Donor M. F. Barnett, Esq., of Christchurch.” On the south side are shown the arms of Captain Cook, and on the north side the arms of the City of Christchurch. It is proposed that both these panels should be of bronze or fine grain marble, and painted in true heraldic colour. The back panel shows Cook’s ship, which may be either the Endeavour or the Resolution, as the donor may desire in base relief. The ship is represented under sail in New Zealand waters in bright sunlight. Mr Wright, of Auckland, has sent in a small scale model, showing Captain Cook standing erect, and facing to the front. The figure is in the naval dress of the period and portrays the character of the explorer very clearly. It is expected that the model pre pared by Mr Clapperton will be received on December 16, and it is proposed that at an early date after that, a selection will be made from the designs. The statue is to be erected near the south-east corner of Victoria Square, and will face Colombo Street. All the models submitted show the figure wearing the naval cocked hat of the period-