NEW ZEALAND ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 229, 26 March 1912, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.

To the Editor. Sir,—You are doubtless aware that the (' vernment has decided to establish a Xa> : onal Art Gallery at Wellington. Following on that decision the council of the Academy arranged with Mr. John Baillic, of the w;'ll-known Baillie Art Gallery, London, to bring here a collection of the works of the leading English artists. Mr. Baillie, under the supervision of Mr. G. Clausen, E.A., has got together what is admitted to be the finest and more representative collection of British pictures seen in the Australasian States, and a unique opportunity will thus be afforded as of furnishing the National Gallery in a manner worthy of the capital city of the Dominion. The council of the Academy is making a determined effort lo secure the very best of this magnificent collection, so that Wellington may remove a reproach that has long rested on the city and be in possession of a gallery that will be a never-failing source of pleasure and instruction to citizens and visitors alike. The council feels that such a gallery will be a great pleasure to the residents of your district during their frequent visits to the city, and, in particular, a great boon to all country art students by bringing within their reach examples of all that is best in art. We therefore ask your editorial co-operation and help in our efforts to attain this most desirable and worthy object and in furtherance of our appeal to the residents of your district for financial support. A direct appeal has been madto the leading residents of your distric'. but as it has been impossible to ren '". all who may be disposed to assist us, th" secretary to the fund is sending you som?' subscription lists, trusting that you will be good enough to encourage and receive on our behalf any local contributions to the fund. I may state for your information that any donation of £SO or ovor will be spent in the purchase of a picture or pictures on which will be inscribed the name of the donor. As very wide interest is being manifested in this exhibition, and, as it is known that most of the leading Australian galleries are sending representatives to Wellington to make purchases from it, the Council hopes for a prompt response, to its appeals in order that it may be in a position to secure, while still available, the pick of Mr. Baillie's art treasures for this city. Donations may also be sent direct to the secretary to the fund (Mr. J. D. Gray, 75 Grant road, Wellington).—l am, etc., H. M. GORE, President.