NATIONAL GALLERY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1440, 15 May 1912, Page 6

NATIONAL GALLERY.

THE PICTUBE FUND,

The exhibition of British paintings continues to attract largo numbers of visitors, and from present indications there is every prospect of the Picture Purchase I'und being considerably augmented by the percentage of the admission money which it is to receive. A new and attractive feature is to bo added to tho collection. The tea room has been shifted, and the gallery thus vacated is to used by Mr. Bnillie for an important exnibition of etchings by Frank Brangwyn.

Pupils of Miss Babei's School have parchased for the National Gallery, a charming water-colour by A. W. liich, entitled The Boston Stump." It is No. 21 in Gallery 3.

A few days ago attention was called in these columus to the artistic excellence of Ipdcn Pocock's big water-colour, "The Shepherd's Queen," which has been, exhibited among the Fletcher Johnston collection of pictures in tho Tnrnbtill faallery in Panama .Street, and on that occasion, it was stated that the picture iva-9 ono that would be a valuable accession for the National Gallery. It is therefore pleasing to report ' that the wnter-colour has been purchased by Messrs. J. 0. and W. E. Bidwill; of tho Wiurarapa, for presentation to the National Gallery, the price paid beina 150 guineas. Lexden Pocock's work is uniformly good, and he is particularly happy in water-colours. Tho subject is n charming one. Under the spreading branches of a tree is grouped a mother with her infant child on her knoe, while the shepherd husband and father lying a-sprawl upon the lush grass is amusing himself by crowning his little girl with a wreath of wild flowers. The mother's face wears an expression of loving amusement, and the child one of conscious modest} , at the playful honour conferred upon her. In the sunny green-gold haze of tho background meanders a tiny stream, and beyond that sheep grazing quietly in • the midst of plenty. The artist has caught with rare fidelity the atmosphere of early summer in England, his figure-drawing and painting are alike admirable, and the ensemblo is a beautiful climpse ofc modern Aready. Tho picture, which has been approved by the purchasing committee, is ono that will always give pleasure, and is a most welcome addition to the National Gallery collection.

The Auckland City Council has purchased from the BaiUie collection the following pictures for the Auckland Art Gallery:—No, .53, in Gallery i, "The Statuette," by Ruth Hollingsworth. .£25; No. 6. in Gallery 2, "A Cornish Fisherman, by A. Stanhope Forbes, E.A., £75; No. 22, in Gallery 2, "A Daughter-of Judah," by Arthur Hacker, A.R.A., No. Sβ, in Gallery 2, "Clematis," by Harold Kniifht, R.A., .£SO; No. 122, in Gallery 2, "Green Waters," by Henry S. Tub, A.R.A., £S0; No, 51, in Gallery 3, "Lesbia," by Charles Sims, A.8.A., .£BS: No. 58, in Gallery 3, "Fishermen at Sundown," by Tcrrtek Williams, R. 1., E. 0.1., .£6O; and No. 76, in Gallery 3, "Market, Montwuil," by Frank Brangwyn, A.R.A., £100. Under the arrangement voluntarily mnde by Mr. Baillie with tho Council of the Academy, the National Gallery Fund benefits to the extent of 5 per ceiit. on these, as well as all other purchases made in Wellington. This explains the amounts which have already appeared in the published lista as "Commission s on Sales." Tho donations to date are:— £ s. d. Amount acknowledged 3021 la G Staff, House of Representatives— H. Otterson '. 110; A. J. flutliorfurd 1 1 fl A. F. Lowe I 1 0 M, F. Marks 1 1 0 E. W, Kane 1 1 0 E. J. Le Grovo 1 1 0 Staff, Dominion Analyst 2 1 0 Staff, Department Internal Affairs 1 S fl Ellis and Manron 1 0 0 J. J. Tipjch a .1 0 Mrs. Henry Smith's School .1 0 t M .'. 2 2 ft Cr. Fletcher 1 1 0 Cr. Fitzgerald 1 I 0 Mrs. K. A. Tylee, Pahiatua 1 1 0 W. C. Wickham, H.M. Trade Commissioner •"> 5 0 Wadestown School , 1 6 5 G. and C. Aldous 1 1 0 Miss Babor's School (picture) ... 25 0 0 Dr. Kendall (to H. S. Wardell memorial picture) 110 L. Stowo 1 1 0 J. O. and W. E. Bidwill (picture) 150 0 0 3231 13 3