GALLERY TALKS A SUCCESS

Abstract

The Gallery Talks by Mr. Raymond Wyer during the week of January 15th were most successful. Eighteen study clubs, groups of teachers, and classes visited the Museum to learn more about the permanent collections under his guidance and from a standpoint of this far reaching interest alone they were worth while. Mr. Wyer spoke nineteen times during the week and some of his auditors were so engrossed in his messages that they returned several times to attend further lectures. The speaker did not deal with the superficial qualities of the individual painting, but provided his audience with a background for the appreciation of all pictures. His aim to disclose to his listeners the fundamental principles applicable to all art and by which any period might be measured was most commendable. He has little sympathy with gallery talks which aim merely to entertain, yet while he is uncompromising on this point, he dealt so much with universal truths and approached his subject so clearly he never failed to interest his audiences. Informal lectures such as those given by Mr. Wyer, using objects in the collection as illustrations, probably do more to inculcate appreciation of art than any means yet devised. There is zest and relish too, in bringing a speaker from outside whose vision is not dulled by e very-day familiarity.