Correspondence
A LETTER FROM OXFORD.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The Michaelmas Term, now a thing of the past, was especially interesting because of the problems that had to be considered at the start of the new academic year. Foremost of all was the still unsolved Bodleian problem. The University expressed its view clearly enough on this point—at least if a counting of heads is any true indi- cation. Last year the decision was made in Convocation to solve the Bodleian difficulties by building a new and additional structure in Broad Street opposite the present Old Clarendon Building, to be connected by a tunnel beneath the road. Nothing was lacking to this scheme except the money. A minority, small but determined and of no little weight in academic distinction, preferred the alternative of a wholly new building to be erected elsewhere, but they were defeated by a large number of votes. The matter is still under dis- cussion, especially in its financial aspect. Convenient though the scheme accepted is, there are many who wonder whether it is convenient enough. But in any case a solution must be found within the next few months. New buildings in Oxford spring up almost as rapidly nowadays as in London. Merton College, with most commendable taste, -is now converting the atrocious " New Buildings " of the Ruskin period into har- monious and attractive wings in a style that not only har- monizes completely with the surroundings but—at any rate, from the direction of the Christ Church Meadows, definitely enhances the view. Corpus likewise has added a new wing of great charm and simplicity. From Merton Street—looking eastwards, it fits into a gap in the architectural setting that seems almost to have been deliberately left vacant for it. It is comforting to see how vastly taste has improved in this generation and with what care Governing Bodies of Colleges now realize that any addition to an old building is an addition that may make or mar a complete view in the city. No finer piece of planning and building has been done for a century than. he new walk and gardens by Christ Church abutting on St. Aldates.
A possible exception in wisdom may perhaps occur in the new Rectorial House now rising in Turl Street for Lincoln College. It has hardly reached its first storey, so it would be premature to judge of its beauty. But by what is visible the onlooker is not encouraged. The house appears to be in a semi- Palladian style that may end in being nondescript. It has, I understand, cost a vast sum of money—certainly more than is usual in College buildings. We must hope that the interior comforts are commensurate with the expense, for the external charm at present certainly is not. But " bairns should not see things half-finished " is a proverb that I do not forget.
Thd steady growth of amateur dramatic ventures has been perceptible for some years past at Oxford. I know no reason for it, unless it be the curious love of notoriety which seems implanted in the breast of the undergraduate of to-day. But as long as it evinces itself in the activities now evident at the University all will be well. The recent performance by the Oxford Opera Club of the Czechoslovak opera by Smetana, The Bartered Bride, has undoubtedly been a great success. The light and amusing music was admirably played by an orchestra which had, for the first two nights, the immense advantage of being conducted by Sir Hugh Aden. Whatever defects there may have been on the stage were amply atoned fbeby the very skilled playing of the musioians—which, after all, was half the entertainment. The whole piece was light
and humorous, without ever descending to the banalities of comic opera. The two principal parts were taken by pro- fessionals and the chorus and most of the other parts by ama- teurs. The performance of the Marriage Agent, as well as that of Vasek, the dolt-bridegroom, combined finished acting with excellent singing. But the chorus was at times painfully un- convincing. I never knew that it was possible for Bohemian villagers to give • so perfect an imitation of the actions and appearance of undergraduates. This illusion was heightened by the almost complete absence of moustaches, although Czechs are almost always distinguished by the unusual size of those ornaments The acting of some of the characters was painfully inadequate. This was particularly the case with the father of the bride. But, despite these unevennesses, the production combined charm with amusement, and the moments that were dull were few and far between. Most notable was the small and unambitious ballet, which lifted the dancing well out of the folk-dancing standard and made it into something really delightful to watch. Here at last undergraduate elegance had its chance, aided by the very polished work of two ladies, obviously skilled in their art.
This has been a term of many public lectures. General Smuts has failed to provide enough space in which to hold the throngs which come to hear him. But this is the only point in which he has failed us. His lectures have been of classical simplicity and of historical importance, as voicing the views of a man of the world in the fullest sense.
Art has not passed unnoticed. An exhibition of the drawings of Alfred Stevens in the premises of the Oxford Arts Club has made available a series of the most exquisite drawings that the last century produced. The Slade Professor has filled his lecture room to overflowing time and time again, while in Mr. Rutherston the University now possesses an instructor to art students who is unrivalled for his skill and his energy.
Traffic increases and road facilities do not. New buildings spring up in all the industrial quarters. The new premises opposite to Balliol at the end of Broad Street are both original and dignified. I can only hope that the shop windows that will later be inserted in them will be more attractive than the usual tasteless display seen in Oxford. In garishness of exhi- bition, vulgarity of display, and tawdriness of arrangement Oxford shops are behind those of many if not most of the important towns of the provinces. There seems to be no moving spirit behind the Oxford Chamber of Commerce who is strong enough to encourage fine shop-fronts and tasteful display on modern lines. One visit to London could show what rapid strides are being made, but our shop-keepers do not seem to have eyes or imaginations. Each new shop that is built still maintains the old tradition of potted palms and aspidistras, cottonwool at Christmas, and tinsel at all times. Windows exist, in the minds of their owners, simply to be filled, not to attract by the charm of arrangement. But where London and Paris lead Oxford follows—a good ten years
behind. YOUR OXFORD CORRESPONDENT.
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