The Express.
London, England, 1861-03-07 00:00:00

THE ARCHITECTURAL MUSEUM.

A branch of the South Kensington Museum pro-
vides for the special cultivation of architectural knowledge
and ability ; and last evening a test was afforded of the in-
fluence which this particular department exercises on the
inventive faculties of driven in various classes of tectonic
art.

Mr. BIENSVORD Hon, who took the chair on this owe-
aim, opened the proceedings by explaining the system
on which the pnzes which be was Shout to
bestow had been awarded. He incidentally re-
viewed the history of the museum, attributing its
success to Be adherence to a definitive plan, as at first de-
termined on, instead of pursuing desultory studies. He
alluded to the architectural tomes of the past year, in-
cluding the designs for the Foreign.offloe, and also to the
main subjects of the future—notably the Exhibition of
1862. With regard to the prizes which the council of the
Architectural Museum had decided on giving, he said that
the names of the art.workmen had been sent in together
with their specimens. This had not, of course, affected
the decisions of the judge. ; but in future the rule
of anonymity would be adopted. He was happy to
inform the meeting that the museum had a handsome
balance at its bankers. Mr. Hope expressed regret at the
unavoidable absence of the Duke of Bucelinich, the Bishop
of Oxford, Lord Overstone, Sir Francis Scott, and other gen-
tlemen who took a lively interest in the objects of the mu-
seum, and who had written letters expressive of that in-
terest, as well sent sorrow at not being able to attend.
The prizes were then given to the successful competitors.
For modelling in clay there were three prizes, of the re-
srmetive amounts of 51. lie., 31. 30., and 2/. 2a., the
second being offered by Mr. 8. C. Hall. The
subject prescribed was • model for a vesicashaped,
or circular medallion of the late Duke of Wellington, en-
closed in • border, and executed entirely in high relief.
Eleven specimens were sent in ; sod the following is the
order in winch the successful competitors stood : James
Allen, Warwick ; John Hatchets, London ; and Henry
Owes Hill, Stamford. Prizes of 51. ss. and 3/. 3s. were
offered for metal work, the subject being • key, either
medieval or renaissance in style, hammered, pierced. or
punched (not filed), and with an ornamental handle. It is
somewhat remarkable, and not agreeably so, that
these two prime should have been reserved, for
want of may competition among our artificers
in iron or steel. On the other hand, wood carving was well
represented, although only three specimens bad been re-
ceived. The subject called for was a carved oak panel for
one side of the binding of • church Bible, and two prizes
were tendered, of 31. 3e. and 21. 2., the wood being given
by Mr. S. C. Hall. The first prize was gained by Henry
Reynolds, London ; the second by B. L. Bolton. Binning.
Ire ; and an additional prize of 1/. Is. was awarded to the
third competitor, J. Seymour, Taunton. A single prise
of 3/. le. was offered by the council for the
moat meritorious cartoon for a canopy head for painted
glass, supposed to support a figure ; and We prise was
gained by J. J. Laing. Edinburgh, out of seven competi-
tors ; but so nearly equal in merit was thought to be the
design it G. Bedding, Bristol, that an additional prize was
awarded is this case also.
_ _

The polychromatic theory of architectural historians is
held by several gentlemen connected with this museum ;
and we were not surprised, therefore, to find that, on the
Beeleeinlogical Society offering, through the council, a prise
for colouring a cast of • group of figures from the great
hollow moulding I. the arch of the Porte Rouge.
Notre Dame, of Paris, Mr. Beresfonl Hope had
offered 31. 3s. in one or more extra prizes. It was specified
that the cast should, in its manse, of chromatic treatment,
be regarded as forming a pert of an architectural composi-
tion, and not as cabinet picture. The winner of the prise
in this class was W. J. Sinikin, Loudon ; hut the specimen
submitted by E. 0. P. Harrison, Loodoo, was prouounced
to be almost equally good. To this second competitor, there-
fore, the extra prise was gives in one amount.
After the distribution, Weenie wen delivered by Earl
Powys, Mr. Ferguson, and Br. B. C. Ball.

PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY OF UNITED BROTHISR.
—fle annual estestaionsent in aid of the fund' of this e:•

eellent charity took place on Tuesday evening, at Sadler's
Wells Theatre, upoe which °maim Shakespeare's tregedy
el Othello wee gives. The performanee wan closed with
the fame of A Belated for as Oliver. The theatre wps
crowded, and ambers were amble to pin admiuioo.
CZYNTAL PILLACL —ONII SHILLING DAT. —WM>.
' SHODAY, NARCH 6. —A.insiesions OD payment, 785; ditto by
mamma tickets, 4V2; scud, 1,197.