Art Gallery Unappreciated

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 993, 9 June 1930, Page 8

Art Gallery Unappreciated

POOREST PATRONAGE SINCE 1914 Tit E number of people who visited the Auckland Art Gallery during' the year ended March 31, 1930, was the smallest since 1914, reports the chief librarian, Mr. John Barr, in his annual report to the City Council. “The decline was particularly noticeable since the opening of the War Memorial Museum,” Mr. Barr remarks “A contributory factor was the smaller attendance of school children in groups. “The librarian also reports on the Old Colonists’ Museum and views with concern the congested state of the exhibits.

The gallery was visited during the year by 77,608 persons, being a daily average attendance ot 213, Mr. Barr reports. This was a decrease of 22,757 visitors, compared with the previous year, and is the smallest attendance recorded since 1914-15. The decrease was noticeable throughout the year, with the exception of June, and it had been greatest since the opening of the War Memorial Museum. The attractiveness of the museum, particularly as it embodied a war memorial character, was bound to have this effect, but he did not think that it would permanently influence the attendances at the art gallery. Another contributory factor was the smaller number of school children in groups who visited the gallery during the year. This was at one time a regular feature of the attendance, but for some reason which he could not suggest, the visits of school children in charge of teachers had practically ceased. “The loan exhibitions which were inaugurated in 1927 were resumed with an exhibition of the prints illustrating the graphic arts which was held from August 1-24, and attracted an attendance of 1,890, a daily average of 79.” the libarian says. “Mr. T. V. Gulliver was again associated with me in arranging this exhibition, and I desire to express my appreciation of his services and willing helpfulness at all times. “Following the success of this exhibition, it was decided to utilize the exhibition room as a print room when it is not required for loan exhibition, and the committee agreed to allocate £IOO from the picture purchase grant for the purpose of adding to the print collection. In this way 23 prints, consisting of etchings, drypoints and colour wood blocks were secured for the permanent collection. A number of prints were also secured by gift. The print room as a permanent part of the gallery was opened on November 21.” During the year the services of Mr. Fred Watson were secured to under-

take cleaning and renovation of the pictures in the gallery. Good progress had been made, and it was hoped that by next March every picture in the gallery would have been examined and treated as required. The work was not started too soon, as apart from treating the canvasses, it was found that the borer had attacked many of the frames and stretchers. In common with the art gallery, the attendance at the Old Colonists’ Museum had fallen considerably compared with last year. This year 21,716 persons visited this department, a decrease of 5,237. Some interesting additions were made to the collections which now totalled 1,105 items, 1,003 of which were permanent exhibits, the balance being loan deposits. Outstanding among the last year’s acquisitions was a decagonal frame containing two series of panoramic photographs taken from the top of Mt. Eden, the earlier series in 1883, and the later series in 1928-29. In an extremely graphic way it showed how the City and district had developed in less than half a century. “The exhibits still suffer from the congested manner of their display,” says Mr. Barr. “For years I mentioned the skying of the pictures in the museum. On reaching the ceiling, I have been forced to find other space on the walls for recent additions, and I have now commenced to hang pictures below the dado ledge! Soon the walls will be covered from floor to ceiling. “This is a statement of fact, and it is regrettable that such a splendid collection of exhibits illustrating the progress of the City and province should be treated in such an unworthy manner. It may be that the poor display of the exhibits is causing the apathy in the attendances. Certainly the collection, which has undoubted historic value, and is, in many instances, unique, deserves better consideration than it now receives. I am still hopeful however, that steps will soon be taken to improve the conditions which now obtain.”