ART AND WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 December 1939, Page 7

ART AND WAR

ADDRESS TO THE MASTERTON ROTARY CLUB. An interesting address on the war situation existing in London before his recent departure for New Zealand was given at the Masterion Rotary Club's weekly luncheon yesterday by Mr S. B. MacLennan, A.R.C.A.. N.R.D., Arts Master at the Wairarapa College. Mr MacLennan also dealt with designing and art as applied to Art. “I have particular cause to remember September 3," Mr MacLennan observed. in referring to war conditions in London. "I was to be married a week before leaving Home. The banns were called for the third time on the day war was 'declared. An air raid warning was sounded as the minister started to announce them. Somewhat naturally there was an immediate stir, but the minister asked everyone to wait until the banns had been safely called. "We experienced blackouts and carried gas masks a fortnight before war broke out." Mr MacLennan added. "We were escorted down the English Channel by aeroplanes, and during the course of our voyage a submarine was sighted off the ship's bows, but a depth charge was dropped over the side and the submarine was not seen again. The explosion of the depth charge caused such a concussion that many on board ship thought they had been hit. A small -hip was seen to founder in the distance. but sank very quickly. The rest of the journey was uneventful. Art. Mr MacLennan stated, was the subject which interested him most. It might seem strange that it was one of the few factors which was not an actual cause of wars. He had attended the International Congress of Art. held in London prior to the outbreak of war. There were representatives present from all nations, and all had worked together in perfect harmony. Art rose higher than political or racial considerations. The history of a nation was determined by the history of its art and culture rather than by war. Movements were going on in which art tended to break away from academic standards. In past days Royalty was responsible for the promotion of art. Eminent painters were welcomed at courts. Today the modern business organisations were including artists on their staffs. Mr MacLennan concluded an informative address by discussing in some detail the necessary relationship between the work of the manufacturer and that of the designer.