13 SEPTEMBER 1986, Page 27

Bell's theory

Sir: That the theory of significant form in art was the invention of Roger Fry is a commonplace mistake. Mr John McEwen (9 August), as a writer on British art, ought perhaps to know better. The theory was developed by Clive Bell in his book Art published in 1914. Although the aesthetic thinking of the two men was often in close accord, Fry never accepted the theory — as indeed his review of Art made plain at the time. Over the succeeding years he reached a position notably different from Bell's and certainly different from the hard line formalism so often attributed to him by his detractors. I think the 'mystification' John McEwen detects in Fry in fact lies nearer home.

Richard Shone 87 Holbein House, Holbein Place,

London SW1