THE GUILD OF LITERATURE AND ART.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 571, 4 October 1851, Page 3

THE GUILD OF LITERATURE AND ART.

Under this well-chosen name it is proposed to erect ana endow an institution, in connexion with a life in surance company, for the sole advantage of professors of literature and art. The idea, which originated, we believe, with Mr. Charles Dickens, gathered head and began to assume a positive and tangible shape under the hospitable roof of Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer in the autumn of last year, when Mr. Dickens and his company of amateur players were visiting atKnebworth Hall, and entertaining Sir Edward's guests with tbeir dramatic representations. The subject, which had long lain in the active and philanthropic brain of Charles Dickens, being mooted, Sir Edward was so much struck with it that he undertook not only to make a free gift of such land as should be requisite lor the erection of the proposed residences or lodges, but also to write a play (if Mr. Dickens and his company would undertake to perform it with other plays, in a series of representations), the whole profits of which should be devoted to further the ends of the institution. The play, a comedy in five acts, was promptly written ; has since been as promptly rehearsed and prepared ; and is now upon the eve of representation, at Devt nshire House, under circumstances of singular interest and distinction. It will be acted by Mr. Robeit Hell, Mr. Wilkie Collins, Mr. Dudley Costello, Mr. Peter Cunningham, Mr. Charles Dickens, Mr. Augustus Egg,' A.R.A., Mr. John Forster, Mr. R. 11. Home, Mr. Douglas Jerrold, Mr. Charles Knight, Mr. Mark Lemon, Mr. J. Wetland Marston, Mr. Frank Stone, Mr. John Teniel, Mr. F. VV. Topham and others. Portions of the scenery have been presented by Mr. Absolon, Mr. T. Grieve, Mr. Louis Ilaghe, and Mr. Telbin. Mr. Macliso, R.A., has offered to paint a picture (the subject arising out of these peformances) and to place it at the disposal of the guild ; and Sir Edwin Lnndseer, R.A., has also earnostly expressed his wish' to aid the design. Valuable assistance lias been rendered by Mr. Benjamin Webster, of Hie Royal Ilnymaiket Theatie. Tlie fiiht performance mil taU* place at Devonshire House, which hio Grace the Duke of Devonshire has kindly devoted to the puipose, on Fiulay, the lfith of May, when her Majesty the Queen and his lloyal Highness the Pi ince Albert will honour the perfoimances with their presence. Other representations of the comedy, and an original farce, will afterwaids take

place at the Hsinover—qunre Rooms, where the movable Theatre, constructed loi tbe put pose, and opened at Devonahiiti house, will be ejected for the.se occasions. Now a word as 10 tlie institution itself. The society or guild will einbiace the several objects which the members of a profession may be most disposed to spcure — such as life insurance-, at rates of premium calculated as payable either for the whole teim of life, or as altogether ceasing to be payable at a certain age ; annuities to commence at a certain age ; pensions to widows ; payments destined to the education or provision of children, &c. In connection with the " Guild" it is proposed to establish and endow an institute, having at its disposal ceitam salaries, to which certain duties will be attached ; together with a limited number of free residences, which, though sufficiently small to be adapted to a very inodei ate income, will be completed with a due regard to the ordinary habits and necessary comfoits of gentlemen. The oflices of endowment will consist — j 1. Of a warden, with a house and salary of £200 a year. 2. Of members, with a house and j£l7"o, or, without a house, £'200 a year. 3. Of associates, with a salary of £100 a year. We are not able to enter into all the details of the scheme as set foi thin the prospectus which has been issued. The originators and promoters of the scheme are themselves eitbrr mtists or authors, familiarly acquainted with the wants and feelings of the great mass of their fellow labourers, and anxiously desirous to aid those distinguished in pursuits similar to their own. The objuct altogether is a noble one — has been nobly and manfully enteied upon, and we doubt not will be nobly and handsomely backed and supported by that homly incieasing public to whom the labours of the author or tbe artist have now become a prime necessary of life. — lit ifanma.