Victoria Daily Times, 24 Sep 1890
A Pronounced Success
The first amateur art exhibition in Victoria now open
Yesterday afternoon a party of a hundred or so of artists and their personal friends, who had been invited to be present at the opening of the British Columbia Art Exhibition, held in the spacious rooms in the upper story of the city hall, gathered there. Hon John Robson, who was present by request, formally opened the exhibition, and in doing so made a few remarks congratulating the members upon the fine showing made. He spoke of the fact that such exhibitions as these did much to refine and elevate the public taste. At the close of his remarks he presented the treasurer of the Association with a cheque of $25 to further the work so well begun.
The exhibition was to-day thrown open to the public, and for the next two weeks will prove an attraction to all lovers of the beautiful in art. By night the display is even more beautiful than by day, sixteen powerful electric lights having been placed in position about the room, which has been made cosy by the decorating committee. During the day time the light is also first rate, two large skylights and the windows having given the hanging committee an opportunity to place the pictures in the best possible way. The following ladies and gentlemen are the exhibitors, with the number and class of pictures contributed by each:
OIL PAINTINGS
Mr T Bamford, 57 landscapes and views; Mr ES Shrapnell, 31, still life and landscapes; Mr Frederick Pauline, 8 landscapes; Mr Roland Lee, 15 figures and portraits; Mr MH Bainbridge, 7 landscapes and cattle scenes; Mr AC West 8 landscapes; Mr Wm Wilson, 9 landscapes; Mr O Chapman, 6 landscapes; Mr GT Fox, Mr S McClure and Mr H Carmichael also contributed.
WATER COLORS
In this line Messrs J Carpenter, TS Gore, C Soule, TB Norgate, TS Sorby, N Carmichael and R Bayne contributed some excellent work.
VARIOUS
In this class the ladies come out in strength. Oil and water colors sketches in black and white, crayons, etc, were plentiful. Some fine painting on china is also noticeable. The exhibitors are Misses Christie, Brady, McMicking, Woods, Campbell, Twiss, Sorby, Spring and Wylde.
MODELLING
In this branch there was only one exhibitor, but the excellence of his work is worthy of mention. Mr EA Harris sends in a cast from a model in clay of Venus Anadyomene. The work is perfect although small, there being evidence of genius in the work.
To give each exhibitor a criticism, or even to mention each picture and its subject would take a page of this paper, and would be a hopeless task. All are of high order and many of an especial character. To unduly praise one would seem like favoritism. The best advice that can be given is to go and see the exhibition of nearly 400 pictures. The treat will be a rare one, and will doubly repay the visitor any expense of time being made. A few hours passed among these works of art is time well spent. To-night and for two weeks to follow, the exhibition will be open in the evenings as well as from 11 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. The evening hours are from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. Many of the views are for sale, and several have already been disposed of.




