ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1833, 20 August 1913, Page 5

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.

ANNUAL REPORT. Tho annual report of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts slates thalt the National collection has been enriched during the year by some generous donations. Tho Hon. John Duthie, M.L.C., presented two fine cil paintings—one entitled "The Strayed Princess," by George Weatherbee; and'the other a portrait of Wilkie Cbllins's mother .by Margaret Cooper. Sir. J. N. Williams presented a work by Salvator Rosa, and Mrs. (Maude) Burge a. water colour by herself entitled "Tho Market, Montreuil." From the Picture Fund was purchased a water colour sketch by Clausen, an etching by Brangwyn, and a water colour entitled "A Secondhand Dealer's Shop, Paris," by Owen Merton. Mrs. E. J. Riddiford also kindly lent seven interesting paintings to the gallery during her absence from the Dominion.

The council hopes to be able to report next year that the Government is taking active stops to carry out its promise to establish in Wellington a national art gallery, and in the meantime desires to express its thanks to the Government for, a grant of y£SO a year towards the salary of a custodian for the free Public Art Gallery, which is now open daily, except Mondays, and for tho services of a nightwatchman to ensure tho safety of the collection.

At last year's exhibition the number of works exhibited was 309, but 'the number sold was only 30.. As, however, the council is now in a position to raise tho value of the art union tickets issued to members from 7s. to 10;., and thus increase the amount of 'the art union, the proportion of sales at tho forthcoming exhibition should bo considerably higher than in previous years.. A departure was made, as■regards the holding of the students' competitions in connection with ihe exhibition. In previous years this had been h»ld at the same time as the annual exhibition. On this occasion an entirely separate exhibition, was held, consisting of 42 classcs. The expense of holding a separate exhibition was, however, considerable. The council have arranged for th«i holding of a fewer number of competitive classes this year at the same time as the annual exhibition, particulars of which have been circulated 'to members.

The total membership is now higher than in any previous year, and comprises 4 life, 220 subscribing, and S3 artist members. Tho balance-sheet shows that, tho income during the year totalled .£544 9s. Id., and in the picture fund accoun't there is an unexpended balance of ,£296 12s. 4d. Tb assets amount to .010,550 9d., t.ho p'Hhcipal items being the 'National Collection .£57114 lis., and tho permanent collection ,£3544.

In accordance with the articles of association, the president.. (Mr. -H. M..Gore),, ■ono vice-president/CDr. Fell), fotir. members of the council (Messrs. L. H. B. Wilson, A. Hamilton, Miss Richmond, and Miso Holmes), the hon. treasurer (Mr. C. Wilson), and the auditor (Mr. C. D. Morneth) Tetire from office. All ore eligible for re-election. It will also be necessary •to elect another member for tho council in the place of Mr. Roland Wakelin, who resigned upon leaving for Australia.