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 ihfluence 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 1st, 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 ; 



