8 



In the Art Gallery we have had three good exhibitions during the 

 past year. These have all been well attended. The Second' Historical 

 Collection of Water-colours lent by the Victoria and Albert Museum 

 was a great attraction for the Summer Exhibition, and this collection 

 was supplemented by attractive loans from several private sources. 

 I wish we could have sold a few more pictures, but our experience in 

 this direction is only that of other Galleries, both London and pro- 

 vincial. Our Permanent Collection of Pictuiefc, which in 1886 num- 

 bered three examples, now numbers between 90 and 100, and our 

 fine collection of Derby Porcelain has all been acquired since that 

 year. I can only say once more what a relief it will be when a suitable 

 time comes for the extension of our premif^es. 



My staff remains the same as last year, and I have the greatest 

 satisfaction in again bearing witness to their courteous and diligent 

 discharge of their duties. For the first time during my long service 

 I have been laid aside by illness. The knowledge that I had the sym- 

 pathy and good wishes of my Committee, and that I could rely on 

 my staff to make every effort by extra work to make my absence 

 as little felt as possible, did much to hasten my recovery ; and I have 

 now every hope that if all goes well, I may be able to continue for 

 some time to come, work so congenial to me, and retain the confidence 

 of the Committee which has always done everything to make that 

 work a pleasure. 



I remain, Gentlemen, 



Yours obediently, 



WILLIAM CROWTHER 



Librarian and Secretary. 

 October mh, 1911. 



