The Elam School

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 96, 14 July 1927, Page 11

The Elam School

MR. A. J. C. FISHER, | DIRECTOR, REPLIES TO INTERVIEW WITH DEPARTING ETCHER

UNIVERSITY AND ART “T SHOULD be very unhappy to think -*■ that of two men coming from the same institution, and being contemporaries, one, going away, should leave behind him a very diverse opinioin as of ‘what is what’ in an art institution,” said Mr. A. J. C. Fisher, A.R.C.A., Director of the Elam School of Art, to a SUN representative today, speaking of an interview with Mr. Leonard G. Studd, published yesterday. “This is the reason I hasten to proffer a letter I have received from Mr. Studd.” The letter reads: "Dear Mr. Fisher, —I have read the report of my interview with THE SUN representative—a report that I approve of. On seeing it in type, howsver, I feel that the impression which may have been conveyed was one that I may have inferred that the Elam School of Art was not under capable direction and supervision. Actually, my experience during the two years at the school has been that the students have progressed tremendously, and I am sure it is in the hands of a very capable man. Mr. Pisher. My intention in regard to the suggestion of the taking over by the university was to advise that the person appointed should be as qualified as you are.” (Sgd.) LEONARD G. STUDD. \vith reference to my own opinion as to the work which has been done in my time and the time of Mr. Studd, at the school, continued Mr. Fisher, I believe that the students have progressed immensely, particularly from the point of view of draughtsmanship. I have already sent the students work Home to a distinguished draughtsman ior his opinion, and I am willing to no the same at any time in the future during the time that I am here. i yould be willing to place these drawings alongside any set of drawings from any art institution in New Zealand. I am expecting a report any time from Professor Rothenstein with reference to the work that the students did in the school last year. 1 agree with Mr. Studd entirely that the criticism that has been waged against the work of the students has been unconstructive and unsympathetic. It is a pity that during the time Mr. Studd has been here that ®ore advantage has not been taken by the public of his absolutely first-class Knowledge of etching and engraving. ith reference to any possible taking oyer cf art education by the University College I, too, most decidedly hope that it will be in the hands of a Qualified and capable person. With reference to the future of the Elam School of Art, the question of staff is a t present very undecided and in the a,r - Subject to this, it is impossible to loo?* to the future (as it affects the j;ell being of the school) at the present time.