HAWKE'S BAY ART GALLERY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 75, 15 April 1937, Page 7

HAWKE'S BAY ART GALLERY

Valuable Collection of Art Books and Photographs CARNEGIE GRANT A valuable collection of reference books and photographs for the dtial purpose of teaching art and helping in the identifying and ciassification of art exhibits, have now arrived at the Hawke's Bay Art Gallefy and MuseUffi in Napier, forrtiing yet another portion of the grant to the museum authorities of the Carnegie Institute in America. The value of this library, as invoiced in America prior to shipment, was £1000. The museum is now closed for a period to visitors, during the rearrangement of exhibits following the construction of another section of the building. Although the final stages of the construction work are not yet oompleted, work is also being carried oUt in the building of new cases and the arranging of exhibits. The portion of the building which /ormerly housed. all the exhibits will now be devoted entirely to piotures and art objects and the central portion to museum exhibits, including the Black Uoilecfion, which recently arrived from Gisborne. The work of fearranging the exhibits is expected to last a fortmght, during which time most of the members of the committee will be engaged at night in the work, in addition to that lione during the aay. The reference library from America, comprises the latest books on art .topics from all the countries of the world. Gerinan, American and Italian literature predominates, but there are also British and Freach treatises on art. The photographic section, which deals with the identification and ciassification of most forms of ancient art, comprisog 45 folio cases, packed with representations of typical. examples of the various schools of art in modern and partioularly ancient times. While ,the American value is listed at £1000, it will be realised that to obtain the same collectiQn in New Zealand Wculd require an amount considerably in advance of this amount. An official opening of the new wing of the building is expected to he held next week, but the committee of the Hawke's Bay Art Society has not yet decided who shall be asked to perform the ceremofly. . The museum additions remain itt the bare state only, owing to the sfiortage of funds. The addition to the building has no ceilings, and no inside wall pannelling, but it is hoped that as the financial condition of the society hnproves and further donations are received, this work will soon be carried out. A special room in the new building has been devoted to the library.