12 JANUARY 1951, Page 18

The Scope of Television

SIR.—Until I read Mr. Harold Nicolson's Marginal Comment on tele- vision I must confess I had not grasped the amazing fact that it is now possible for a man in Bradford to listen to the criticism of a painting which is on exhibition in London and to see the picture itself simultaneously reproduced before his eyes. The dual interest of seeing a work of art whilst hearing the critic's comment thereon is incalculable, and whilst general interest in the visual arts cannot help but be stimulated. I foresee that in the minds of many of those whose interest in the arts has hitherto been non-existent an active and conscious appreciation of them will be created. A very valuable contribution indeed. This is, of course, only a morsel of the vast tract of virgin soil it is the plain duty of television to cultivate.—Yours truly,