THE HUDSON MEMORIAL [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—The defence of the Epstein-Hudson Memorial has been nothing like so strong as the attack. Should not the British public, frequenters of our parks, have the final word ? We love our singing birds, and our ideals have only been fostered and strengthened by Mr. Hudson's superb writing. Might not some scheme for substitution be devised which need hurt no one, not even Mr. Epstein ? Already we have musical competitions. What need hinder a competition for sculptors, clever in the knowledge of bird life as they are in craftsman- ship ? Why should we not have a new panel for the Memorial ? A small exhibition of designs for this might easily be arranged. Would the Royal Academy Council perhaps offer a room in Burlington House for this during the autumn ? Such universal interest has been aroused there would be no fear of failure. On the contrary, a Society like " The Artists' Benevolent" might greatly benefit. There are needs enough
in the artistic world- to-day, Heaven knows. Crowds of bird lovers would gladly pay one shilling for entrance.
If something of the kind was approved, would you give your valuable help and allow the details of such a competition to appear in your columns ? For instance :- 1. The exact dimensions of the panel ?
2. Where the designs should be sent ?
3. By what 'date ? &c.
The choice of the judging committee would cause no dissension now. All we long for is, that the memory of our great Bird Genius should be preserved in a way we consider lovely and seemly. There would then be peace. The com- mittee might be small—composed, say, of one trustee from the following Societies : the Royal Sculptors' Society, the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the Natural History Museum. Perhaps the president of the Royal Academy would act as chairman; or at any rate suggest one ? Would the Hudson Memorial Committee decline any other sculptor's work Possibly Mr. Epstein himself may desire to withdraw his panel. He knows there is no personal animus. It is :Imply the unaccountability of British taste. His fame has increased. To the end of time he would now be recorded as a great peacemaker.—I am, Sir, &c.,
TREODOSIA BAGOT.
[The questions that Lady Bagot puts are not so deep as
another that they raise. Does the British public need educa- tion by artists in matters-of art rather than deserve to have
the final word " ?—En. Spectator.]
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