REPOET. 



In presenting their Report for the year 1875, the Committee have pleasure in 

 recording both the increasing prosperity of the institution and the extension of 

 its capabilities for usefulness. 



The statistics of the several departments will be found under their respective 

 heads. 



The Walker Art Gallery is rapidly approaching completion. The Committee 

 have plea-sure in recording a further act of liberality on the part of the founder, 

 who has given a commission to Mr. Warrington Wood, the eminent Scvdptor in 

 Rome, for Statues of Michael Angelo and Raphael, representing Sculpture and 

 Painting, to be placed at the base of the pediment ; an allegorical Statue of 

 " Liverpool" at the summit ; and four bas-reliefs along portions of the front, 

 representing historical incidents in connection with the town. These sculptures 

 will be executed in marble, selected to withstand the effects of weather, and will 

 render the exterior of the building a fit index to the artistical purposes for 

 which it is designed. 



The unsightly gap between the existing buildings is now to be filled up in a 

 manner which will materially add to the attractiveness of the institution. 



The Council have determined on the erection of a new Reading Room, circular 

 on plan, 100 feet in diameter, connected on each side with the other depart- 

 ments. Tenders have been accepted, and the work "noU be immediately 

 commenced. 



The first stone was laid on the 2nd of December by the Chairman of the Com- 

 mittee, whose name, by a resolution of the Council, has been attached to the 

 building. 



During the preparation of the designs it occurred to the Committee that, by 

 a very moderate additional outlay, provision might be made for an Aquarium 

 on a scale worthy of the town. This plan has been sanctioned, and is embodied 

 in the j^lans now about to be earned out. 



The group of buildings when completed Avill represent Science, Art, and 

 Literature in a manner unsurpassed by any provincial town in the kingdom, and 

 will, it is believed, not only confer great advantages on the inhabitants, but- 

 prove very attractive to strangers and \isitors. 



The Conmiittee have to announce that the success of the recent Autumn Art 

 Exhibition has considerably exceeded that of all the preceding ones. 



