38 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1952 



institutions. In addition 264 photographs of works of art were re- 

 ceived on exchange. A total of 301 copies of the illustrated catalog 

 of "Paintings and Sculpture from the Kress Collection," and 299 

 copies of the catalog "Renaissance Bronzes from the Kress Collection" 

 were sent on exchange to other museums. The Library is the deposi- 

 tory for photographs of the works of art in the collections of the 

 National Gallery of Art. A stock of reproductions is maintained for 

 use in research occupations by the curatorial and other departments 

 of the Gallery ; for the dissemination of knowledge to qualified sources ; 

 for exchange with other art institutions ; for publicity ; and for sale 

 at the request of any interested individual. 



The photographic collection has grown with new bequests and 

 loans made to the National Gallery of Art during the year. A sub- 

 stantial addition has occurred in the instance of the new loans from 

 Chester Dale. The photographic file continues to present a complete 

 pictorial record for reference to all the objects in the Gallery as well 

 as to provide limited quantities of 8-x-lO" prints for distribution. 



During the year 641 persons other than the Gallery staff used the 

 Library for research. 



INDEX OF AMERICAN DESIGN 



During the fiscal year 1952 a total of 9 new exhibits containing 396 

 renderings were completed. Permission was granted for the repro- 

 duction of 183 plates, while 743 photographs were distributed for 

 use by designers, possible publication, research, study, and publicity. 

 A total of 1,016 slides were circulated and several designs from the 

 Index were adapted for commercial use on drapery material, furni- 

 ture, and playing cards. The entire collection of 1,666 2-X-2" color 

 slides was organized into 20 loan sets and 1 miscellaneous group for 

 loan to individual lecturers, museums, schools, and colleges. 



MAINTENANCE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS 



The usual work in connection with the care and maintenance of 

 the building, its mechanical equipment, and the grounds was continued 

 throughout the year. Considerable redecorating was done, including 

 the painting of several galleries and offices. Flowering and foliage 

 plants, totaling in number 5,869 and valued at approximately $7,700, 

 were grown in the moats and were used for decoration in the garden 

 courts throughout the year. 



The lawn-sprinkler system was extended to include several grass 

 areas between Constitution Avenue and the sidewalk adjacent thereto. 



During the winter months, all the refrigeration machines were given 

 an annual overhauling which included the balancing of the rotors, 

 the cleaning and testing of new parts, and the necessary repairs in 



