New-York tribune., 1907-08-06
SIR PURDON ARRIVES.
Metropolitan Director Says 1ar on
I1rt Objects Is Bad.

Sir Purdon Clarke. director of the Metropolitan
Museum of ART. got back to New York on the At
lantic transport liner Mnuchaha, yesterday after an
absence Of almost two months in Europe Slr Put-
con said he as ardent admirer of America
IS ever. except in particular. and that IS what
ne regards as the ridculousiy high tariff works
or art. lie says it is huTtfuI than useful be-
caus" it prevents the importation of important
original and things that might furnish basis
for native creative artistic talent
This coUntry'S present high schedules on great
works of art foolish as protective measure. IN
Sir Purion's opinion. because under no circum-
stances could they be regarded as ahOrding COM
petition with the work of american artists and
craftsmen of to-day. and therefore killing off their
work But the tariff is worse than that positive
injury 10 American creative genius. said the Met
TopOiitans director. because IL deprves native ar
fists of the best models the world affords
He pointed out that in Paterson. y. J.. there are
to-day silk factories that turning out hrOcadcs
which for quality and design cannot be surpasse'i
oven France. Right here in New York city. said
SIR PurdOn tapestries being made that VIII
hold their own with those Of the old World ssE"rk-
Yet despite all this. makers OF beautiful things
can afford 20 import only copies ana Samples ne
cause the tax more important works IS too great
for them pay.
Tho artistic Sense Of America il all right. said
the director, and ] do think that your tire
rnaudors activity and industrial progress is az al
opposed 20 artistic progress. With the hne foUno@-
tion for artistic development YOU possess the gov
ernnont should do everything 70 encourage IN"
importation Of works Of art. tlat Will serve not -
obstacle. but incentive t" even greater
progress
The United states is rezponslhIe for tho forced
withdrawal Of n lot of ts wealthy citizens. thinks
Sir Purdon. Just on account Of the big diNS piced
on important art works These are the persons.
10 saws who like artistic things and would iaV"
them about them in tho United states II u we're
not for the exorbtant duties So they 2" abroad
and buv a house doTicie for their arr treas
rcs and eventually elect To on the oth"r Side
where they can enjoy them lie tn"usht @ 'il|1 y
the heavy duties removed American tapestries
would soon compe ting with those Of tho French
makers ~ their ground. Just as American
watches are today sold in t;eue-a
Most of tIc directors tim" abroad vas 7peh w
SUitzerIand At Zurich bought for the museum
fourteen pieces Of German swiss furniture Vhi'h
ar" 10 g. toward tho equipment Of the German
Swiss goom in "H" of the new wings in,ludFd ~
the esor rent which IS Of sixteenth and eighteenth
century production. are a sid"b"ard Of raI" "'rE
manship aTnlOr chest. two small 'd"eS ann
~ airs In London hc acquired from Russian
ri0hIenau TWO highly ornamentcd pieces or DuDitn
sf,,er 1Iate dating from the eighteenth century
These arc tyvo-handied Irish drinking mugs. which
had long been in ssesslon Of the family Of the
nohlcIlau wFo compelled to sell fhen' I"'
lack Of money SIR Purdon would not disclose MS
H. Paris tire metropolitan director picked up
pair of wrought iron Gothic gates. datin& ff'h'
th. fourteenth century. His other puTcntsfs W.,
q pair Of silver chalices. OF German VorknitnShip
of tho sixteenth century. and two panels In stained
Glass commemorative or family marriages NJ
In.rous important paintings. the director an
roun,ed. had b.en obtained for the museum ny
Robert FRYE.
SIR Purdon said no had had only min" days real
rest from work while abroad. That Vas az ittiE
village. on tho sosth coast Of England MY even
mon. rflc dealers srICcecded In penetrating IN
London ho saw J. Pierport Morgan several times
Nj Morgan. said the director. had made several
1,-Ir-raSce for his collection abroad bur p"
large ones that he knew of, for the Metropolitan
NIusatir
rfi. director ~ tho Metropolitan has not as yer
rl4de NY his mind whether he Will become an
American citizen lie likes America and New York
immensely II" said. and does hts Wife She will
como back % this city Win Her three uaush's'S
in tie fall