ART GALLERY. 75 



For the purposes of the Autumn Exhibition, it was necessary to 

 remove the Pictures of the Permanent Collection from five rooms, a 

 fact which forcibly illustrates the urgent need for a considerable 

 extension of the Gallery. 



The question of the proper conservation and exhibition of the 

 Etoscoe '" Collection of works by Old Masters has received very 



special attention, and it is hoped that an agreement may be come to 

 with the Royal Institution Trustees, the owners, which will enable 

 the Art and Exhibitions Sub-Committee to treat the Collection as it 

 deserves. 



The additions made to the Permanent Collection during 1904 

 include Works of exceptional interest and value, as will be seen 

 by reference to the subjoined list. 



The time has now come when more than ordinary attention must 

 be given to the material condition of Works of Art in the Permanent 

 Collection, and it will probably be necessary to expend a consider- 

 able sum in the repair and re-gilding of frames, the re-lining of 

 canvases, and otherwise. If a satisfactory agreement is come to 

 regarding the " Roscoe " Collection, a further expenditure for the 

 cleaning, restoration, and re-framing of a number of the Pictures 

 will be called for. The interior of the Gallery requires repair and 

 re-decoration, and steps are being taken for the thorough revision 

 of the official catalogue. 



On the 30th April, Mr. Charles Dyall, who had been Curator of 

 the Gallery since it was opened in 1877, retired. During his long 

 tenure of office, the success of both the Art Gallery and the Autumn 

 Exhibition were continuous. The Institution was the first of its 

 kind under Municipal control, and the methods initiated by Mr. 

 Dyall have been largely copied by similar institutions which have 

 since come into existence. 



In November, the Chairman of the Art and Exhibitions Sub- 

 Committee, Mr. Councillor John Lea, J.P., was elected Lord Mayor 

 of the City, and, in consequence, resigned the Chairmanship with 

 which his Municipal career has been so closely identified. His 

 place is filled by Mr. Councillor Robert D. Holt, D.L. 



