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The Committee, through the lamented death of Mr. Joseph 
Courtney, in February last, lost a faithful servant. He had been gate 
attendant at the Art Gallery since its foundation, and his fidelity and 
zeal in the service of the Committee were beyond all praise. The 
Committee believe they have been fortunate in securing the services of 
Sergeant W. Johnson as his successor. 
While the steady progress of the Gallery from year to year is 
matter for congratulation, there is one matter connected with its past 
year’s history which it gives the Committee special pleasure to report, 
and on which the Council and the town at large are to be specially 
felicitated ; and that is the splendid series of gifts of Derby china from 
Mr. Felix Joseph. This gentleman, whose name has long been famous 
in the art world, and who is specially distinguished in the Midlands 
for his handsome gifts and loans to the Castle Museum, at Nottingham, 
happened to come to Derby in the September of last year, and paid a 
visit to the Art Gallery. He was so pleased with what he saw there, 
that, although entirely unconnected with the town by family or business 
ties, he formed the resolution of presenting to the Gallery what he saw 
it stood in need of—a typical collection of Derby china. He imme- 
diately set to work collecting, and so well has he succeeded, that his 
gift now numbers some 350 specimens, covering the whole period of 
manufacture, and well illustrating the art objects made at the Derby works. 
The collection is specially rich in figures, both in biscuit and coloured, 
and the generous donor still continues to add to it almost daily. The 
heartiest thanks of the Committee, the Council, and the Ratepayers at 
large are due to Mr. Felix Joseph for this magnificent and valuable gift 
to the town, and the Committee venture to express the hope that his 
example may stimulate others to similar generosity in helping a popular 
institution. 
In conclusion, the Committee desire to point out that they believe 
the Art Gallery is as steadily advancing in public usefulness as it is in 
public favour, and they will be very glad indeed for the time to arrive 
when the institution can be entirely free, and the ratepayers reap its 
full benefit. In the meantime, the Council may rest assured that the 
Committee will do their utmost to carry on the good work the Art 
Gallery is doing at the lowest possible cost compatible with thorough 
efficiency. 
On behalf of the Committee, 
WM. BEMROSE, 
October 30th, 1890, CHAIRMAN, 
