SECRETARY'S REPORT 207 



In the interior, the structural steel in the attic remains in need of 

 painting. An experimental system to be used in relamping consisting 

 of a metal superstructure was installed over Galleries VIII, IX, and 

 X, and has proved to be unsatisfactory. All steam pipes in the attic 

 were removed and heating miits installed in the existing ducts. This 

 commendable measure made many areas more accessible for storage 

 and general use. 



Galleries I through VIII and XIII through XIX, including the east 

 and west corridors, have been redecorated with vinyl resin-coated 

 fabric to match Galleries IX, X, and XI. All baseboards, grills, and 

 belt courses were painted as work progressed. The galleries now 

 appear much improved and in good condition. 



The exposed ceiling of the American painting storage was reinstalled 

 and the area painted. Safety latches were designed and installed on 

 each of the picture racks. Repair and refinishing of the panel storage 

 cases has begun ; work on the cases on the north and south sides of the 

 room has been completed. Nine sets of doors remain to be refinished. 



The wall, trim, doors, and window frames of the auditorium have 

 been painted, and a new Altec No. 342B Amplifier-Preamplifier was 

 installed and connected into the existing sound system. The north 

 wall and ceiling at the back of the auditorium have been repaired. 



The cabinet shop made and repaired furniture and equipment as the 

 need arose. 



Seasonal plantings in the courtyard were made and have flourished, 

 and the entire courtyard was bird-proofed. 



ATTENDANCE 



The Gallery was open to the public from 9:00 to 4:30 every day 

 except Christmas Day. The total number of visitors to come in the 

 main entrance was 168,625. The highest monthly attendance was in 

 July— 22,329. 



There were 3,224 visitors who came to the Gallery office for such 

 varied purposes as to seek general information, to submit objects for 

 examination, to consult staff members, to take photographs or sketch 

 in the galleries, to use the library, to examine objects in storage, etc. 



AUDITORIUM 



The series of illustrated lectures was continued as follows : 

 1963 

 October 8 William G. Archer, Esq., Victoria and Albert Museum, Lon- 

 don, England, "Rajput Painting." Attendance, 17. 



November 12 Donald H. Rochlen, Esq., United States Information Agency, 



"Thailand, an Archeological Treasure House." Attend- 

 ance, 270. 



