17 JANUARY 1931, Page 27

The late Mr. David Croal Thomson was known to a

wide circle of friends here and abroad as a true lover of art, and it is pleasant to find in Barbizon House, 1930, published by his son and successor, Mr. Lockett Thomson, a good portrait and a kindly appreciation of him by Sir D. Y. Cameron. It was characteristic of Mr. Croal Thomson to publish an annual illustrated record of some of the fine pictures that had passed through his hands. and his successor has done well to continue this admirable practice. The volume describes and reproduces notable examples of Sir D. Y.- Cameron. Mr. Brangwyn and Mr. Wilson Steer, 0.M., among the living, and of Fantin-Latour, James Mans, Richard Wilson, Raeburn and Allan Ramsay. In many eases the new home of the picture is indicated. where it has been bought for a public collection. Those who are

interested in pictures for their own sake will find the record singularly attractivt.