The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-05-28
AN AMERICAN ART UNION.

= $500. 80 NEW YoxK, May 20, 1871
10 THE EpIroR or TUE HERALD:-
AZ many who desire TO extend every encouragement
TO the rising school Of in this country surprised
that the aid and assistance OF an Art Union 10 not OK.
tended propose briefly possible to offer an 40.
count o! the salient points Of the history Of
Art Union Of Lcndou Epgand, more especially the
effects OF the operations OF such associations have not
vet been AIKEN properly into consideration by writer's
on art
~he Art Uniou Of London was established 10 1887 TO
promote the knowledge and love Of the fine and
their general advancem ent in the British Empire by
widc diffusion OF works OF native artists aud 70 ce-
va.e art and encourage the professors by creating
increased demand tor their works and an improved
taste on tho part OF the public 1t placed under
the direction OF a council of seventeen members,
whose services were honorary, and in tho FIRST year
they with great difficulty raised f4s9. which was dis
irbuted prizes In thirteen purchased works Of art
varying In price from $40 to f100 Tho amount Of
tho subscriptions won't on doubling for many years
until income OF about $4,000 per annum was At
tained and at this sum- or less, " remained for
some time
In 1857, however, reached Els 92e and In 1873 ths
subscription was no less than eco 9aA In the second
year OF its existence the society adopted principle
OF setting apart certain sum OF money for tho pur
pose OF cngrav1ug picture, so that each member
should receive an Impression of tho plate and Thus
have certain and direct return for the subscription.
The council commissioned SIR. W. Glcr 10 engrave the
first pici urc, "A Cnmndoeso Monk, painted by Tim
son. This was tho beginning Of that ISSUE Of annual
plates which have been continued ever since re.
markabio serics including reproductions BY the hrst
British cngravers such as Do0 stocks. sharpe Fin.
den Heath, Wilmorc, Joubert Joens and OF the
works OF MuIready. Webster, Turner MacIise. Land.
secr, CallcotL Firth, Cooke, StansncId Armitage,
Goodal, the whole eliminating in the two large plates
BY Stocks and Thorp respectively OF Macse's magni.
WELLINGTON well and Biacher Mee.ina Alter wa,orloo"
and the death Of NcIsonn These remarkable works
each occupied Ave years IN engraving, the artists re-
ccving over $4,000 for thor work, while the total
cost Of production was $4,000 The cngravihgs In
pure line, manner, and considered tho important
and effective works ever produced, can be seen In the
book ana stationery store Of the European Select CIR.
cuating Library, where two specimens, the property
oil the society, now hang
DONE
Tho annual subscription rs 81 Is lone guinea which
entities the subscriber 20 the annual engrav ng AMI
Of winch varies, but which consists OF sums from 500
10 81 $50. The fortunate winner OF prize has tho
privilege OF selecting from the public exhibition
picture the price OF which equals the amount Of hrs
prize. The soclety makes no prodt. but tho whole
amount subscribed is expended Tor the good aud pro-
motion OF art. Taking my last report | fiud that
the president or the society liz Lord IIoughton,
while among the vico pres dents Will be noticed
The names OF tho Earl Of Derby, Dean Stanley, Of
Westminster, and Lord Emiy; also that OF George
Goodwin. Esq, the father OF The society. The council
comprises thirty gentlemen lovers OF art, who
Live tnclr Tree services, compTlSos the oil
well known bankers, merchants and members Of all
toe professions How far the labors OF the society
havo been successful in promoting art may
be gathered from the following 1gures:--In the
first thrtyoght years 1887 to 1874 ~ 100, $40
paid as prizes which represents 81 900, 600 posi-
lively paid over TO Brush artss, while f603 $50
paid III the cause Of art IN the production Of prints
&c. This amount does not include sl4,2T0 given
premiums to artists This gives a grand total Of
81. Sos, 900. which the society have directed TO the
cause al art at tho same time cultvating line oil true
art among the masses OF the people.
TRIED AMERICA.
believe private attempt was made In this country
10 Introduce the system OF art unions. and failed TINS
probably caused lc surprise, Tor such institution
TO be elective. must Ia promoted by those whose
names are held In high esteem by the masses, and
whose services are honorarly rendered with tho single
aim Of promoting art II few snch lovers oil art
would dosro to unite for such purpose, 10 form an
nrt UNION OF America, The present oncrs an
appropriate period No doubt many artists will
1nd difficulty in selling their works or have
TO accept low prices Two causes may bring about
such result: 1rst the hardness OF the times, and
second tho drain upon tho resources oil art buyers by
the immense number Of paintings Of merit thrown
upon the market by forced suIes IL may be economy
the hrst year 10 offer gilt TO each subscriber
handsome photograph, copies OF either OF the grand
engravings have described, or copy OF tho hnc
engraving IRON the play scene IN Hamlet" BY Macliso
may DO acceptable. 50, the loan oil tho prints Tor
that purpose can be had NJ my tme with reports and
" - ''' -'''' JOHN MlcHELA