Modern Scottish Art in Holland*

The Dutch Nederland-Engeland Society, the object of which is to promote cordial relations between Great Britain and Holland by making their various aspects better known to each other, some time ago sent an invitatión to the Society of Ëight, Edinburg, asking them to co-operate in forming a collecti-on of pictures by modern Scottish artists which would be exhibited in Holland this spring. The idea receivéd Ihe cordial support of Sir Ronald Graham, British Minister at The Hague., who is himself of Scottish blood, and the President of the Society of Eight, Sir James Lawton Wingate, P.R.S.A. resp-onded with patriotic zeal to the invitatión from Holland. Dutch art is appreciated and understood on the öther side of the North Sea and nowhere mo,re than in Seotland; but eonfemporary British and especially Scottish art is practically unknown in the 'country of Rembrandt, at least to stay-at-home students. It is to be hoped that, with the fortheoming series of exhibition, this state of affairs Will cease and a better understanding will be gained of the art of a country so like our own in many respects but where geographical position has acted hitherto as a deterrent. The exhibition will consist of a collection of carefully chosen works of art in oil and water colours which will represent at its best the present attainment of the Scottish School of Painters. Although some of the paintir.gs will be for sale, this is not the purpose of the exhibition. The aim is rather an exchange of artistic conceptions between the two countries. To promote this a collection of books will be at the disposal of visitors in the various exhibition halls, including works on the Glasgow School and on

the Scottish. School of Painting and also illustrated works on writers who will be represented at the exhibition. Should the state of the finances permit, lectures with lime light views will also be given in the various towns by the painter, J. Paterson, R.S.A., on “The Scottish Portrait” (Raeburn, Wilkie, Orchardson, etc.). Mrs. Kennedy Fraser and her daughter will be lecture on Celtic Art, which will be illustrated with Celtic songs, accompanied on the Dutch harp. These saga and songs of the Scottish West Coast are of very high artistic value, and, to those acquainted with Ossian, lrish saga and the works óf Fiona Mac Leod, will prove of great interest; they will be something of a revelation to many of our artistic countrymen. It is also probable that, during the exhibilion, lime light lectures on Seotland wil be given by Dr. Inglis Clark. The list of representative Scottish painters includes- seventy names in all 'and, assuming that fine examples of their work are obtained, the exhibition should prove varied and highly attractive. The' period covered is. ïoughly, from MacTaggart, Hugh Cameron and other Scott Landerites part that of Joseph Orawkall and Arthur Melville, to the present time. A. number of pictures are being taken with permission of the Royal Scottish Academy from the Diploma Gallery at the National Galleries; while a number will also be lent by the Scottish Modern Arts Association. The Scottish press is taking a great interest in the plan and, through its columns, is doing its best to promote ihe sucess of the exhibition by asking for contributions towards the expense fund, although the Dutch Society has taken upon itself all financial liabilïty. A sum of about £1,000 is necessary to ensure success and we can commend the appéal made by the “NederlandEngeland” Society to those of our readers who recognise the important part aft plays in modern civilisation and the influence it èxerts in the direction of a better understanding among the peoples. The Hon. Treasurer is j M. P. Rooseboom, Suezkade 137, The Hague, to whom all contribution J should be sent. 1 — I f