To the Art-Students of London
Since the so-called decorations of Saint Paul’s have been encroaching actually on the substructure of the mighty Dome itself, a great feeling of indignation has arisen. The atrocities of the design, the meanness of the patterns, the crudity of the colour, and the vulgarity of the whole is too evident to those who have inspected the results of Sir William Richmond’s scheme of decoration. Even good decoration would be out of place, superfluous, and utterly contrary to the expressed wish of Wren.
But what are we to say to the treatment in Romanesque Style of a Renaissance building, the Petroleum Stencilled Frieze (already condemned), the false accentuation of architectural features nullifying the Master’s intended effect, but, above all, the audacious demolishing of the stonework of the structure itself to provide a bed for these detestable Mosaics?
We feel assured none who have at heart the preservation of the Masterpiece can submit to see the glorious memory of its illustrious Author thus insulted, or can do less than their utmost to avert what can only be regarded as a National Calamity.
The initiators of this movement call upon the Students of the various Art Schools in London to send their representatives to join with them in determining the most effective means of making their protest.
A Meeting will be held to that end at Mr A. Rothenstein’s Rooms, No. 20 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square, W., on Saturday, May 6. from 5.P.M. till ———
Secretary, MAX WEST,
Slade School, Gower Street.