AN OLD MASTER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 249, 19 September 1929, Page 2

AN OLD MASTER.

CLAIM FOR WORK OF RESTORATION. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 18.' An old master, entitled, “The Feast of Balshazzar,” painted by Palma il Veechio in the sixteenth century, was much discussed in the Supreme Court to-day in a case before Mr Justice Kennedy. William Henry Hiches, the defendant in the action, purchased an old canvas in London at a sal© for £3 many years ago. He worked on it at intervals for 20 years until he discovered ,a monogram on it which disclosed the picture as being of great value. He eventually sold tho picture to Dr. Pairman, of Christchurch, for 1500 guineas. A Claim was made by William Sidney Smith, artist, of Christchurch, for £157 10s for restoring the picture. It was alleged by him and on his behalf that ho had done a great deal of work in restoring and retouching parts of the painting for defendant! It was alleged by defendant that the canvas was handed over to Mr Smith for the repair of a small rent in the corner and that much of the work of restoration, especially the retouching, had been unskilfully done and haa actually depreciated the value of the painting. _ 1 Dr. Pairman, in evidence, said that all Mr Smith’s work, even in the repair of . the rent, would have to be undone and it therefore was of no value. Defendant and other witnesses said that Mr Smith had agreed to make no charge for the work. Defendant also stated that Mr Smith had asked for 160 guineas only when he heard of the sale at 1500 guineas. Decision was reserved.