22 SEPTEMBER 1979, Page 18

Shows at the RA

Sir: I am genuinely sorry that Mr McEwen found the 'documentary gruel' of our Ironbridge Exhibition not to his taste. He must however be sadly ignorant of exhibition finances if he believes that the object of this fascinating show is to raise money rather than to celebrate an occasion. Most exhibitions these days are lucky to cover their costs and depend for their existence upon public subsidy or the generosity of sponsors, as we do both with Ironbridge and our San Marco horses.

I hope incidentally Mr McEwen will not dismiss the latter as 'another RA tacky promotional stop-gap' — some stop!

Hugh Casson President, Royal Academy of Arts, London W1