W. G. BAKER, ARTIST.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 9 November 1912, Page 5

W. G. BAKER, ARTIST.

Chatting with Mr Seliapiro, the representative of Mr W. G. Baker, artist, whose collection ot: pictures ift now on exhibition at the Club Hotel Sample Rooms, Master ton, he had a tunny little story to toll of the reception oi this artist's work in Melbourne :—"ln 1907 Mr Baker, having a collection of some 74 pictures, sent them over to Melbourne for exhibition and sale. His representative called upon Messrs Gemmell, Tuck-e-fct, and Co., as the leading art vendors, and after stating his businoss, j-eqiwsted the principal to open up ihek gaUery for -the pot-pose. The nameof W. G. Baker as an artist \v»3 an absolutely unknown quantity, and nothing Mr Scbapiro could say would induco th© firm to undertake the business a especially as they had a big collection of-works by European ! artists ready to be hung on their i wails. As a concession, five of Mr Baker's pictures were allowed to go I in the catalogue. Ou tlic day of the sale these, though catalogued on the. first pag«, were withheld until almost the last, and tho sale, which •had been af a very disappointing character up till then, with very few sales, with the production of these took a turn, and tho five exhibits ,wer« cleared after most spirited bidding, This drew from tbo auctioneer the remark: 'Baker, an unknown artist, you seem to want. Well, I'll jjiftt jou plenty of Baker next week, far I «&all -offer 74 pictures, less the tiv« sold to-day.' This sale,, held a week later, was a triumphant success, as the account sales show, and •tfvery picture was disposed of." Looking at the. collection on the walls one earn quite understand this, for the oharm of tho whole is the simplicity •of construction and faithfulness of fibe work put into each canvas and th« delightful colouring. Readers aro strongly advised to inspect this oollection, which is thrown open for inspection without charge of any kiad.