COLOURFUL SETTING

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 12, 9 October 1943, Page 6

COLOURFUL SETTING

Academy Exhibition’s Private View

That art appreciation is still an integral part of present-day interests was substantially indicated by the large attendance at the private view of the 55th annual exhibition of the New- Zealand Academy of .Fine Arts, opened last night by the Governor-General,. Sir Cyril Newall. More than 300 guests were present aud as on past occasions it gave the many women at the gathering oue of Wellington’s rare social opportunities for wearing formal drees. Wartime atmosphere was temporarily forgotten, there was a colourful display of brocades and crepes, draped sheath gowns, aud bouf’fant frocks worn with fur capes and velvet evening wraps, aud uniforms were in the minority. ... , A permanent air has been given to the compact gallery where the exhibits are hung. Warmly tinged surfaces, cream panelled walls and even lighting from parchment hooded ceiling globes made an inviting setting for viewing pictures. Floor-length blue curtains were drawn across the mullioned windows at the northern end of the room aud rows of blue padded chairs filled the centre space. Among those in the official party were Sir Harry Batterbee and Lady Batterbee, Mr. G. G. Gibbes Watson, president, and Mrs. Watson, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Hunt, Mr. aud Mrs. W. S. Wauchop, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Nash, Mr. and Mrs. b. W. Fearn, Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Weoster, Mr. O. Savage, Dr. R. Stout, aud Mr. E. D. Gore (secretary).