7 
will be spent in fostering good taste and a love of the beautiful among the 
inhabitants of the town, as well as giving valuable help to those of its manu- 
factures in which Art plays a part. 
The last Autumn Exhibition consisted of a large and varied collection of 
works by modern artists in oil and water colours. It was open from Sep- 
tember to February, and was attended by 9067 persons. 
The Spring Exhibition afforded an opportunity of carrying out an idea 
before mooted, that of an Exhibition of Photographs.. The Committee offered 
silver and bronze medals, and some of the best photographic artists of the 
country competed. The Exhibition was very popular, and may with advan- 
tage be repeated at some future time. In addition to the Photographs, there 
was an Exhibition of Paintings by local artists, and T. Battersby, Esq., of 
Derby, lent 65 pictures from his fine collection, and valuable pictures were 
also lent by W. Lockwood, Esq., of Nottingham, and by an esteemed member 
of our Committee, R. Keene, Esq., to all of whom the best thanks of the 
Committee are due. 
On the Saturday evenings between Christmas and Easter the Curator 
gave a series of Promenade Concerts, which were well attended, were much 
appreciated, and proved a not inconsiderable source of income. The Spring 
Exhibition closed early in August, and was visited by 16426 persons. 
Through the influence of F. Seymour Haden, Esq., the President of the 
Society of Painter-Etchers, that Society decided to hold its Annual Exhibition 
for the year 1886 in our Gallery. A very interesting Exhibition was opened 
on September ist, and has already been attended by 2833 visitors. The 
thanks of the Committee are specially due to Mr. Haden for his intervention 
on behalf of the town with which he is so much connected by family ties and 
old associations. The Committee are glad to announce that Mr. Haden has 
promised at some future time to present to the Art Gallery a complete set of 
his own works, a most handsome gift, the value of which it will be difficult to 
over estimate, proving, as it does, that there will be no lack of similar gifts 
when it becomes known that there is a suitable depository for them. 
Five of the cases in the Lower Gallery have been filled during the year 
by loan objects from South Kensington Museum. These objects will shortly 
be exchanged for others. The Committee gratefully acknowledge the ready 
assistance in their work they have at all times received from the Museum 
authorities. The Art Gallery is also indebted to many others for loans of 
interesting exhibits. Among these are Messrs. Doulton and Co., of Lambeth, 
Messrs. Tooth and Ault, of Bretby, and Messrs. Calvert and Lovatt, of 
Langley, for Art Pottery; J. A. Jacoby, Esq., M.P., for his collection of 
Antique Silver; Alfred Swingler, Esq. for a collection of Oriental Curiosities ; 
