ETCHING EXHIBITION FILLS ART GALLERY

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 79, 24 June 1927, Page 14

ETCHING EXHIBITION FILLS ART GALLERY

NEED FOR EXTENSIONS “CROWDED TO SUFFOCATION” The measure of public support accorded the exhibition of etchings on loan at the Auckland galleries at the official opening yesterday, was a happy augury for the series of gatherings to be established under the direction of the Library Committee of the City Council. Aucklanders were agreeably surprised to find that there was so much artistic wealth in their city. The next collection to be on view will be one of Japanese colour-prints, in October. The educational value of the exhibition, particularly for students, was emphasised by Councillor Ellen Melville, who was introduced by the Mayor, Mr. Baildon, and supported by Mr. John Barr, director of the gallery, and Mr. T. V. Gulliver (who were responsible for the organisation work in connection with the display). “Crowded to suffocation,” was Miss Melville’s comment in regard to the gallery and the library. When the proposal to hold such an exhibition first came before the Library Committee, of which she is chairman, she said, it was doubted whether there was a room available. Miss Melville voiced universal regret when she said it was impossible to have the etchings on view at night, for the simple reason that this portion of the gallery was unlighted. To the donors of the works on view Miss Melvile exUf.ded the committee’s sincere thanks.