But there are many more which one would like to have, a bit of beach and sky, a flat field and line The sculpture is disappointing, the black and white section enchanting, because perfect drawing and detail are indispensable and British artists when they can get away from trying to copy foreigners delight in both. As they do in water-colours, of which there are many exquisite specimens. The architectural room also contains some grand designs of buildings of all kinds.
Evidently the architects are getting frightened: at some of the buildings recently perpetrated. One of the most beautiful is the new building (now being erected) of St John's College, Cambridge, by Manto. It is curious to think that he should also have designed that bleak Cathedral of Guildford for which they are importuning for funds.
But take it all in all one is grateful for the Royal Academy. High-rows have sneered at it but it goes cronely on not caring a jot. More than any other institution it is itself and sure of itself, Whether it is fter or worse than other picture exhibitions does not matter. In these troublesome days, it is a great refreshment to get away for awhile into the Royal Academy, so placid, so entertaining and so stable.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.