NATIONAL LIFE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1938, Page 10

NATIONAL LIFE

♦ —- SERVICE RENDERED BY ART. “The arts render the greatest services to national life and raise the level of civilisation,” asserted the president of the Royal Academy, Sir William Llewellyn, speaking at the annual banquet at Burlington House. “Nations are remembered not so much for their material achievements as for the lasting monuments of art which they leave behind them. Greece, in her architecture, sculpture and literature, left behind an inspiration which can never perish or cease to affect the hearts and minds of men. Yet, I fear, the influence and value of art are toa little regarded by the many people who control British national, municipal and domestic affairs. Art of all kinds to flourish needs encouragement and patronage; without these artists of great ability, of whom there are many in Britain; cannot embark on great works which.are costly to produce. In all history it will be found that no great rulers of men have ignored the arts; rather have they treated them as of the utmost importance. The vitality of the arts would be greatly increased if some of our grea't municipalities would commission artists to decorate some of the great bare spaces of wall which now exist. How little is art used in our public buildings, institutions and schools to improve popular taste and add a touch of beauty or gaiety to dull surroundings.”