31 OCTOBER 1891, Page 22

McFadden. (H. M. Gilbert, Southampton.)—We are quite in accord with

the emphatic commendation bestowed by Mr. G. D. Leslie in his preface on Mr. McFadden's loyal enterprise, as it is not extravagant to call it. Mr. McFadden is, as we under- stand it, a resident in Southampton, and he has devoted no little labour to the task of preserving the aspect of some of the older features of the town. " The old order changeth, giving place to new," and buildings, however picturesque, have to disappear at the imperious bidding of social or commercial convenience. The fate that is overtaking Rome, Southampton cannot hope to escape. Photography does something to perpetuate these fast-vanishing memorials of the past ; but the photograph, as Mr. Leslie suggests, is not permanent, nor can it " convey the interesting impression that is imparted to us by the brain and skilful hand of the sympathetic artist." Among twelve etchings may be mentioned " The South Castle," "The West Gate," " The Arcade " (a very pleasing specimen of the artist's work), and a " View of Old Southampton " from the sea. Mr. McFadden is a careful and skilful artist, whose work is as far as possible removed from that of the impressionist school.