The deficiency in the Funds keeps at about the same low figure 

 as last year, amounting to ^"209, as against ^"195, the difference 

 being accounted for by the amount of insurance which had to 

 be effected on the valuable loan collection now in the Gallery. The 

 Committee are glad to find that their estimate as to the annual 

 cost is thus justified, and think that the efficient maintenance of 

 such a valuable institution at so small a cost is matter for congratu- 

 lation. They can only re-affirm their hope that the time may spon 

 come when the privilege of free admission may be further extended. 



The Autumn Exhibition last year was open from September 7th 

 to January 14th. The Art Union, in connection with it, was well 

 supported, and the picture scales amounted to ^"146. 



The Spring Exhibition extended from January 31st to May 7th 

 Its main attraction was the fine collection of modern pictures lent to 

 the Committee by Sharpley Bainbridge, Esq., J. P. of Lincoln. 

 This collection numbers 101 examples, being particularly rich in the 

 works of Birket Foster and George Clausen, and containing good 

 specimens of the work of L. Alma-Tadema, R.A., E. J. Poynter, 

 R.A., W. Q. Orchardson, R.A., R. W. Macbeth, A.R.A., Ernest 

 Crofts, A.R.A., and many other eminent artists. The Committee 

 thankfully acknowledge the great kindness of Mr. Bainbridge in 

 lending this collection, which has been of inestimable value to Art 

 students, and of great interest to the general public. Local and 

 London artists were also well represented in the Spring Exhibition. 

 Mr. John M. Cook kindly lent a good " Wright of Derby," 

 and Mr. Crosland, of Nottingham, good examples of DeWint 

 and Logsdail. The picture sales amounted to ^204 6s. 



The Summer Exhibition, open from May 19th to September 

 6th, was on different lines from any of its predecessors. Its principal 

 feature was a collection of works in Black and White. Many 

 eminent artists contributed both drawings and etchings, and the 

 proprietors of the " Illustrated London News " and the " Graphic," 

 and Messrs. Cassell and Co., lent some of the valuable original 

 drawings from their establishments. Mr. Councillor Dean and 

 Dr. Fletcher also lent valuable examples. The Exhibition excited 

 considerable interest, and was well patronised. 



The Autumn Exhibition, now being held, was opened on 

 September 17th by a conversazione, given by His Worship the 

 Mayor (Mr. Alderman Newbold, J.P.), at which about 550 invited 



