SECRETARY'S REPORT 39 



order to place them in condition for the summer months. During 

 the process laboratory tests revealed that two of the machines needed 

 certain replacements. This condition was called to the attention of 

 the manufacturers, and the Gallery was informed by them on June 

 20, 1952, as well as by the Vermilya-Brown Co., that the condition 

 was serious and it would be necessary to replace the condensers, com- 

 pressors, and coolers in all three machines. Estimates obtained 

 indicated that this work would cost about $187,500. These funds were 

 made available in a supplemental appropriation bill by the Eighty- 

 second Congress for use for this purpose during the fiscal year 1953. 



Two sections of skylight, representing an area of approximately 

 850 square feet, were completely overhauled, and this work of skylight 

 repair is being continued. 



The American District Telegraph Co.'s automatic fire-alarm sys- 

 tem was extended to the two storage areas on the 81-foot level north 

 and south of the rotunda. 



The Gallery's staff did a considerable amount of work in connection 



with the new storage vault, especially in the installation of steel storage 



racks. 



CONSTRUCTION OF NEW GALLERIES 



Work under the contract entered into on July 31, 1950, for the con- 

 struction of galleries 35, 35A, 40, 41, and 41A in the southwest end 

 of the building was completed in January 1952. Private funds were 

 made available for this purpose. 



CONSTRUCTION OF STORAGE FACILITIES 



The completion of the work under the contract entered into March 

 1, 1951, for building a storage room adjacent to the Gallery building 

 in the southeast moat, has been delayed because of the difficulty en- 

 countered in obtaining certain materials called for in the specifications, 

 and it is now anticipated that this project will be completed late in 

 the summer of 1952. 



Work under the contract entered into on March 2, 1951, to build 

 a storage building and reconstruct a cottage on the site of Randolph- 

 Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, Va., was completed in April 

 1952. Both of these projects were made possible by private funds 

 donated for these purposes. 



OTHER ACTIVITIES 



A total of 43 Sunday evening concerts were given during the fiscal 

 year in the West Garden Court. The National Gallery Orchestra, 

 under the direction of Richard Bales, played 11 concerts at the Gallery 



236639—53 4 



