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FIRST NUMBER
This is the first number of Quarterly to be published by the Gallery. We hope in
subsequent issues to include articles on works in the permanent collection, forthcoming exhibitions, altera
tions and additions to the building, and many other aspects of the Gallery's activities. AUCKLAND GALLERY
ASSOCIATES The Associates have recently embarked on an active programme of activities. The general air
of these meetings is informal and coffee is served as a conclusion. The subscription is low and not only will
the subscriber be able to join in these activities but will assist the Gallery in acquiring from time to time
additions to the collection. A recent bulletin from the Art Museum at Worcester, Massa-chussetts, informs us
that their membership is now 3,400 drawn from a population of 300,000, one hopes therefore that Auckland
may do the same.
It is hoped that those who subscribe to the Quarterly will join the Auckland Gallery Associates. For those who
are not resident in Auckland there is the very reasonable Country Member's subscription of 10/- a year.
Single copies will be available at 1/6. BUILDING IN PROGRESS From now until well into 1957, extensive
re-roofing and decorating will be taking place in the Gallery. (Details of which may be seen on page five.)
We must therefore ask our visitors' indulgence for any inconvenience they may be put to. These alterations
will not, however, curtail our programme of exhibitions. |
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J.M.W. TURNER, R.A. (1775-1851)
YACHTS AT COWES Oil on canvas 13 x 20 ins
Signed Cowes J.M.W. Turner 1835
This delightful oil sketch by Turner was purchased by the Committee from a New Zealand source in 1955.
Although in an advanced state of deterioration, our restorer, Mr. Lloyd, cleaned it and now it is as fresh looking as it would have
been when it was painted.
This sketch is clearly connected with Turner's visit to the Isle of Wight in 1827, where he stayed with
Nash, the architect, at East Cowes Castle.
There are in the Tate Gallery nine pictures painted during this visit. These nine paintings
were painted on two pieces of canvas and were separated for the first time in 1906. Our sketch is obviously a variant of No. 2000
Shipping at Cowes, No. 2 for the compositions tally so closely that it is impossible that our sketch was executed during
some other visit.
All the Tate sketches remained in Turner's studio until his death, when they were bequeathed to the nation.
Therefore one may only surmise that Turner had a visitor to his studio in 1835 who bought the sketch and Turner signed and dated it.
This was not an uncommon practice.
Whatever the solution of the date may be, the Gallery is very fortunate in possessing such a
beautiful painting. |
