Committee of Six Fine Arts Concentrators Defends Feild

Six Harvard and Radcliffe Fine Arts concentrators, calling themselves a "committee representing interested students," last night issued a statement urging reconsideration of the non-reappointment of Robin D. Feild '30, assistant professor of Fine Arts, and demanding "clarification for the undergraduates" of the department's policy.

The committee did not say whether or not it plans to circulate a petition asking reconsideration of Feild's dismissal.

Those signing the statement were Lloyd Booth, Jr. '39; William M. Fetcher '40; Renee Guthman, Radcliffe '40; William B. Miller '39; Ruth Talbot, Radcliffe '39; and Howard R. Turner '41.

Issues Statement

The committee's statement read:

"Spontaneous student concern was manifested when it was learned that Robin Feild had not been reappointed. Students recognized this as a vital issue immediately concerning them, which necessitates action. The students hope that the Fine Arts Department will continue to allow a diversified approach to the study of Fine Arts. We also hope that the Fine Arts Department will live up to our expectations by reconsidering its action concerning the non-reappointment of Mr. Feild.

"Mr. Feild is invaluable to the department because he fulfills student needs--he makes them think and like it. He integrates the historical information with modern problems through his courses and tutorial. Fine Arts 2D develops the sensibilities through a practical application in materials which heightens appreciation and understanding of Fine Arts.

"The policy of the department needs clarification for the undergraduates Mr. Faild in a permanent capacity would work toward this end.

"We think Mr. Feild's dismissal deserves further consideration, and we have taken it upon ourselves to bring it to the attention of interested persons."

Walter Gropius, professor of Architecture and founder of the noted Bauhaus school of functional art, yesterday refused to comment on the questions of art involved in the dismissal of Feild