ART TREASURES.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1917, Page 8

ART TREASURES.

A UNIQUE EXHIBITION.

New Plymouth is at present enjoying the most wonderful exhibition of paintngs by old masters which has ever or is ever likely to come this way. This is the famous collection which caused such a stir at the Auckland exhibition, and was intended for the Panama Exposition at San Jrancisco. The war, however intervened, and the fiat has gone forth that these priceless treasures are to be disposed of in New Zealand for what they can fetch. A reporter, by courtesy of Mr. J. M. Schapiro, who is in charge of the unique collection, enjoyed the privilege of looking over the display. One could ?end days pleasantly and profitably looking over this rare art gallery. There are paintings by such renowned masters as \lurillo, Raphael, D. Teniers, R. Ansuell, R.A., N. Serghem, A. Van Ostade, and many R.A.'s. In addition to the works of the old masters, there is a splendid collection of creations from the brush, of that gifted New Zealand artist, W. G. Baker. During the Auckland exhibition over £2OOO worth of these paintings -.vere sold, the purchasers including such connoisseurs a* his Lord Islington, his Grace Archbishop Redwood, Right Rev. J. .7. Grimes (Bishop of Christehurch), and Mrs Martin Kennedy, Wellington. It is such a display as New Plymouth people may neverf again have the priv .ege of seeing and they should not miss this rare privilege. Mr. Schapiro is ani'iou? that as maiiy as possible should 'nspect the display at thr Soldiers' Club. No one is asked to buy, and the courteous custodian takes a keen delight in revealing his treasures to visitors. A sale of the collection will be held on Wednesday.