30 NOVEMBER 1945, Page 16

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

SIR,—A pleasing sign of the return to normality is the re-opening of the National Museums and Art Galleries. It seems rather unfortunate, however, from the point of view of the serious visitor and the student, that these institutions have no standardised hours of attendance. More- over, as is well known, Sunday afternoon is the most popular time for visitors—possibly owing to the relatively small number of counter- attractions!—and yet this is the very day on which the National Maritime Museum remains closed! This is possibly due to staff difficulties, but could not these be met by adopting the Continental practice of closing on Monday rather than Sunday?—Yours faithfully, H. FOSTER. The Royal Empire Society, London, W.C.2.