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There have been, as usual three Exhibition during the past year. 

 The Spring and Autumn Exhibitions consisted of modern works in 

 both oil and water colours, and the Rummer show of pictiiresin black 

 and white. Many of the leading artists of the day contributed to these 

 Exhibitions, and the general verdict of the press and the public has 

 been one of approval. For the Black and White Exhibition, the 

 Committee were especially indebted to Messrs. Cassell & Co., the 

 Proprietors of the Illustrated London News, Messrs. Mendoza, Limited, 

 Messrs. Raphael Tuck & Co., and Messrs. Virtue & Co., for examples 

 kindly lent from their large stores, which together formed the finest 

 exhibition of the kind ever held in the town. Throughout the year, 

 the sales of pictures have been less than usual, but with the present 

 state of trade the same experience is common to the rest of the 

 Art Galleries in the country. 



The present Exhibition commenced on October 21st, and the 

 Committee believe it will uphold the reputation of the Gallery. The 

 Mayor and Mayoress (Alderman The Hon. Frederick Strutt and 

 Miss Gale), entertained the Visitors to Afternoon Tea on the day of 

 the Private View, and the thanks of the Committee are heartily due to 

 them for this proof of their interest in the Gallery. 



The Committee are glad to be able to report the Building as in 

 thorough repair. A considerable sum has had to be spent before this 

 was fully accomplished. The roof has been thoroughly examined, 

 repaired, and painted, new snow-boards put up, and lead flashing has 

 been put wherever necessary, and altogether the sum spent on special 

 repairs comes to about a Hundred Pounds. The amount to be asked 

 for from the Council is more than last year, but this is fully accounted 

 for by the account for repairs. Wages and establishment charges are 

 practically the same as last year, and expenses of collection and 

 carriage, are less, while the income shows an increase. The 

 Committee look forward with confidence to requiring a considerably 

 less sum next year, as they have no expectation of more than ordinary 

 expenses. The total cost of the Art Gallery to the ratepayers is even 

 now, less than one farthing in the pound, and the Committee think 

 that this expenditure will not be grudged, seeing the benefit the 

 Gallery confers as an Art centre on students and visitors, who number, 

 during the year, not far short of one half the population of the town. 



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