NEW ZEALAND ART

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 December 1940, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND ART

EXHIBITION IN MASTERTON. HOW THE CORONATION PICTURE WAS PAINTED. The Centennial Exhibition of New Zealand Art,, now on display in the Masterton Municipal Hall, contains many fine pictures by well-known Dominion artists. It is seldom that a provincial town is favoured with an exhibition of the scope and importance of the one now on view and' district residents should make a point of inspecting the pictures, which cover a wide range of subjects. The most prominent picture in the collection, the Coronation picture, which was painted by Mr Frank Salisbury at the commission of the four Empire prime ministers is arousing considerable interest. Many have made enquiries as to how the picture was painted. In response to the requests, Mrs Murray fuller stated this morning that Mr Salisbury worked in the Abbey after the decorations had been completed and made numerous sketches at the dress rehearsal. Although not working, he was present at the Coronation and later the principal characters sat for him. The clarity and remarkable resemblance to the characters is outstanding.

The evening sessions will be discontinued after Friday, and the exhibition will not be open on Saturday night. It has been decided to open the display on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4.30 o’clock.