BEQUEST TO NEW ZEALAND ACADEMY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 165, 8 April 1921, Page 4

BEQUEST TO NEW ZEALAND ACADEMY

SIR JAMES PRENDERGAST’S ART COLLECTION. The late Sir James Prendergast, for many years Chief Justice of New Zealand, was a nephew of Mr. George Dawe, R.A., and was the possessor of a mos. interesting and representative collection of that artist’s work. By Ins will, b‘ r James Prendergast has bequeathed tho collection to the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arte for.its public gallery. IM works, which are now on view at the Art Gallery, Whitmore Street (though not vet arranged), include several canvases so large as to be J su * a ' ble onl ? gpadous gallery, and -the council of the academy has found it difficult in the present crowded state of the gallery, ■ provide the necessary accommodation for them. There are other smaller works m oil, as well as engravings, and one piece of sculpture, a portrait bust of the poet Coleridge. George Dawe in 18 awarded the Royal Academy s gold medal for tho best historical subject p.untii© shown in theft year. That work togetlier with the medal, is included m the l» quest. Dawe became an Associate of th Royal .Academy in 18W, "'as elected R. A in the year 18L. lhe works George Dawe are e *^ llen V the art of trie period m which he Ine . An interesting picture included ln the boouest is a portrait of Dawe as a child, by his godfather, the well-known George MorluDu. ar S late Sir James Prendergast was one of the foundation .members of the local academy. For some tbirt ? u JL he was a life member, having been so elected in recognition of his valued assistance and support at a time wiien help was most deeded. The council of Sie academy has by resolution expressed Its keen appreciation of the graceful an public-spirited act of Sir James Prendergast in handing down for the tenefit of the public Iris most cherished conection. Tho subjebte are such ‘ d I! wlll directly to o d and young ahke t V undoubtedly add to the popularity of the gallery.