ART TREASURES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21154, 2 July 1940, Page 3

ART TREASURES

GIFTS FOR NEW ZEALAND LATE MRS ALEC-TWEEDIE The late Mrs Alec-Tweedie, who was a much-travelled woman, became owner of a great many interesting possessions, which she collected in the countries visited. Some of these possessions are, in accordance with her wishes, coming to New Zealand, and they will probably be placed in the Government Museum. Most of the gifts are framed, mounted behind glass. It was in this way that Mrs Alec-Tweedie had them displayed on the walls of her home in Devonshire House. One group consists of five pieces and two strips of fine Belgian lace of the late 18th and early 19th century; and in another frame are grouped seven fans, one of which is outlined with peacock feathers. The exhibits in these cases belonged to Mrs George Harley, the mother of Mrs Alec-Tweedie. A beautiful specimen of 18th century Spanish embroidery is seen in a brocade jacket, which the donor bought in Spain in 1919. Elaborate and interesting is a panel of decorative Spanish embroidery, bought in Madrid in 1902. This might have been part of an altar or pulpit frontal. Turkish Brocaded Panel There is an Italian 16th century panel of embroidery on net. Interesting is a panel of Turkish brocade, handworked in blue and pink flowers on a yellow background. In addition to the framed gifts, there are two Chinese masks, a French brocade, and embroidered 18th century waistcoat, a Tyrolean peasant’s belt, and a Finnish Kantela (musical instrument). These interesting gifts have been packed at the High Commissioner’s Office for dispatch to Wellington. The will of Mrs Alec-Tweedie has been proved. She left £19,895 (net personalty £19,622). Her bequests included: To her chauffeur, if still in her service, £IOO “in return for the great kindness he showed me during my severe illness,” 10s for each week of service, and such further sum as will make up £400; gifts of money to “my hairdresser for 32 years,” “my waitress for 11 years”; “my workwoman”; and each porter, liftman, or engineer, at Devonshire House of seven years’ service.