The Royal Academy
Sir: It is ironic that John McEwen should have ended his review of the Royal Academy exhibition (22 May) with an attack on Sir Basil Spence, for he reveals in his review an intolerance of the Academy which can only be compared to that shown by Sir Basil of the landscape.
He ignored the excellence of a number of exhibits, most notably those by Leonard Rosoman, Robin Philipson, Elizabeth Blackadder and the late Sir Thomas Monnington, all of which indicate the potential strength of the Academy. And in his sweeping contempt for most artists shown he failed to make any specific or useful criticism.
At a time when he might have discussed the failure of many artists to manipulate oil
;Ider
paint successfully, as well as their bew. ,
ment over what to paint (it is remarkable how many artists' studios were represented) all Mr McEwen could suggest was that tne Academy should go bankrupt. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is one of the few occasions when the Public shows any interest in contemporary Paint. ing. It has immense potential, and the sooner journalists begin making constructive .sag: gestions as opposed to spouting twentieth century artistic dogma, the sooner standards of both the artists and the public will he raised.
James Knox 29 Brechin Place, London SW7
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