§ 82. Sir W. Davisonasked the Postmaster-General who approves the design and composition of the pictures on the greetings telegrams issued by the Post Office; whether he is aware of the many complaints as to their inartistic character; and will he consider their review by the 1202 Fine Art Commission or a committee appointed by them?
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Captain Waterhouse)The designs for greetings telegram forms are selected from a large number of competitive designs, and are approved by the Postmaster-General. It is impossible to secure unanimity of opinion in matters of artistic taste, but the favourable reception which the series of 21 designs so far issued has received, as a whole, indicates that they are generally recognised as well adapted to their purpose. I do not think that it is necessary to trouble the Royal Fine Art Commission on a matter of this sort, but if my hon. Friend would indicate to which of the designs he takes exception, and why, I should be interested to hear his views.
§ Sir W. DavisonI am much obliged for that answer. I will hand this triangular missive, which was sent to me the other day, to the Postmaster-General, and will ask him whether he considers it artistic to depict a blue sea-serpent passing through the Sahara, with a lighthouse in the middle.