{www.nationalgallery.co.zw}
The Gallery was initially planned in the 1930s, but the outbreak of the Second World War impeded the colonial government's involvement in its progress. However, the idea was resuscitated when in 1943, Sir James McDonald, a friend and colleague of Cecil John Rhodes, left a bequest of £30,000 "in trust for the people of the colony" to establish an art gallery and art museum in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. From the outset, the Gallery was conceived as a national institution, acting as the artistic representative not only for Southern Rhodesia, but also Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, governed from 1953 to 1963 as a united Federation.
Frank McEwen showing Queen Elizabeth the opening for The Rhodes National Gallery in Salisbury, Rhodesia, 1956. The first Director was Frank McEwen who was previously Fine Arts Officer at the British Council, having trained in Art History and Painting in Paris. He was well known for his skill in organizing large, significant exhibitions, notably the first Picasso-Matisse Exhibition in London, and was an avid supporter of Henry Moore, promoting his work in Paris during the 1940s and 50s. Her Majesty opened the Rhodes National Gallery to the public on 16th July l957, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and has a collection of European paintings and traditional and contemporary African art; and Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals
Zimbabwe is very rich in art as you can see below various art sample pictures, too many to mention:
1 comment:
Good words.
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