Suggested Modifications

Progress, Volume XII, Issue 4, 1 December 1916, Page 822

Suggested Modifications

There are a few minor alterations which I think should be made in Design No. 16. In respect to the gallery itself these are: — Ist. Omit window at landing between stairs and put in a top light so that a large scale picture may be hung there and be well seen from the “Central Space. 2nd. The windows shown in the raised base on which the dome rests should, I think, be omitted, and their place taken by solid sculptured panels, as for instance reproductions of the metopes of the Parthenon. The number of the windows in the drum of the dome might he increased, so that a brilliant light may be obtained without any chance of the direct rays falling in the spectators’ eyes. 3rd. The windows at the sides of the raised fiat ceiling over the “Small Paintings” galleries, should be omitted for if not, direct rays may fall upon the spectators and cause reflections on the pictures on the end walls. 4th. The Entrance Hall is excellent in design but should be made about 3 feet wider, making it 12 ft. instead of 9 ft. between the projections. If carried out as at present, it would be somewhat cramped. Notes. Macleod, Demonstrator in Physics at Canterbury College, has at my request made experiments with the different kinds of translucent glass, and I have a sample of the one which gives the best results. Spring roller white blinds must be provided working from a roller at the bottom, of the skylight. It will be better that clear sheet glass should be fixed a few inches away from the outer glass, in order that an equal temperature may be maintained in the galleries. The blinds can be arranged to work between the two glasses. S. HURST SEAGER, Assessor.