THE ART GALLERY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10683, 10 July 1912, Page 5

THE ART GALLERY

NOW OPEN IN MASTERTON

The art sections of the Masterton Competitions is a . most distinctive feature. On two former occasions, we have had temporary art galleries in Masterton. At the time of the Masterton Industrial Exhibition, about 9 years ago, a loan exhibition of pictures and curios was held in the Methodist Sunday Schoolroom. On a subsequent occasion, about two years ago, another loan exhibition was held, this time in the Technical school. On both these occasions the private homes of the district were drawn upon for their treasures, and fine collections of pictures resulted. On this present occasion it, was at first proposed to fcjavo a similar loan exhibition. It was suggested, however, that the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington, which has recently been enriched by pictures purchased by public subscription and by individual liability, should j be asked to lend some of their picI tures. The justification for the request lay in th'e ifa'ct .that .the citizens of Masteron had subscrbed for and purchased a picture to be placed in the Wellington Academy. Once the suggestion was made, the idea grew, and it was further suggested that, in lieu of collecting from a number of sources, the Wellington Society should be asked to lend as many pictures as were required to form a distinctive.art gallery. At the same time the Trust Lands Trustees were approached, and consented to place at the disposal of ,the Competitions Society the large room on the ground floor of their new building. The New Zealand Academy responded nobly to the request. Mr Fenton went down on Saturday, and was permitted to take his pick of the pictures. iThe only istipuTati'ow was thatMr Williams, the Academy's custodian, should bring them up, and remain here witli them while on view and take them back again. The pictures arrived with Mr Williams yesterday morning. They have been unpacked and hung. The gallery lias been railed off, and heavy felt laid on the floor, and everything is now in readiness to open to the public at 10 o'clock this morning. Space forbids us to give any details of the pictures- in this issue. All we can say is that never before lias there been and probably never again for Imany years will there be ' uch _ intrinsically valuable and such a variety of styles of pictures by famous artists displayed together in Masterton.