SECRETARY'S REPORT 93 



During the Charles Lang Freer Centennial commemorating the 

 birth of the founder of the Gallery, a special exhibition was made of 

 the monumental writings of Prof. Osvald Siren, who was the first 

 recipient of the Charles Lang Freer Medal. 



PUBLICATIONS 



Five publications were issued by the Gallery as follows : 



Title page and contents for Occasional Papers, vol. 2, 1955. (Smithsonian Publ. 



4223.) 

 The Charles Lang Freer Medal (first presentation) . Booklet containing a partial 



bibliography by Prof. Osvald Siren. 

 Charles Lang Freer Centennial Exhibition (1856-1956). Booklet listing objects 



on exhibition in galleries. 

 First presentation of the Charles Lang Freer Medal (February 1950). Contains 



partial bibliography by Prof. Osvald Siren, opening remarks by Dr. Carmichael 



and Mr. Wenley, presentation by Dr. Carmichael, and Prof. Siren's address. 

 Pope, John Alexander : Chinese porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, xvi + 194 



pp., 142 pis., 1956. (Smithsonian Publ. 4231.) 



REPRODUCTIONS 



The photographic laboratory made 3,782 items during the year as 

 follows : 2,494 prints, 374 negatives, 814 color transparencies, 64 black- 

 and-white slides, and 36 microfilms. Total negatives on hand, 11,173 ; 

 lantern slides, 9,542; 110 reproductions in the round of Freer Gallery 

 objects were sold. 



BUILDING 



The general condition of the building is good. All roof areas ap- 

 pear to be in good condition ; minor repairs were made when necessary 

 throughout the year. The ledge of the roof was repaired, and a coat- 

 ing of roofing compound was applied. The copper flashing surround- 

 ing the court area was retucked and caulked. All exterior walls were 

 waterproofed and repointed; all exterior water valves were replaced 

 or repaired on the outside of the building and in the court. All screen 

 doors and area ways are in good condition. 



Redecoration of the interior was completed on December 9, 1955, 

 and rubber-tile floors were installed in the library and main office. 

 Fluorescent light fixtures were installed in all offices, work rooms, 

 storage rooms, and corridors, with the exception of the gallery corri- 

 dors where incandescent fixtures were put in. 



The major work of the cabinet shop has been devoted to the making 

 of exhibition cases for the galleries. Miscellaneous odd jobs related 

 to storage, exhibition, restoration, crating, and maintenance of office 

 and Gallery equipment continue as usual. 



Some of the alterations in the court planting planned last year, such 

 as reseeding, replacement of shrubs, removal of ivy, were undertaken, 



