DANGER OF THE NATIONAL PICTURES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
Brighton, 9th December 1846. Sut—I have read with great pleasure the sensible remarks that have appeared in the Spectator on the subject of the National Gallery. You are perfectly right in saying that "the destruction of the pictures is carried on under the name of cleaning "; and it becomes a matter for consideration how such a catastrophe is to be averted. It is known to be the intention of the authorities in Trafalgar Square to continue the cleaning system; and, unless checked by public opinion, it■is painful to think how many more valuable pictures may fall a sacrifice to their folly.
The paintings in the Gallery want no cleaning; they are in admirable condi- tion: they should be constantly wiped with dry rubbers, in order to keep the sur- face free from dust and smoke, and for years to come they will require nothing more. Nearly all the pictures cleaned of late years have suffered, in my opinion; bat with respect to the pictures cleaned this year, there seems but one opinion— artists, amateurs, professional picture-cleaners, old and experienced importers of pictures, all agree in censuring Mr. Eastlake severely for allowing. such devasta- tion to be committed, and for which I trust he will be called to strict account-
What they are doing among the pictures at Windsor and Buckingham Palace, I do not know; but unless people are content to see the national property reck- lessly destroyed, I do hope they will give imblie expression to their dissatisfac- tion, and not allow heir-looms such as these, held by us actually in trust for future generations, to be condemned in silence to certain destruction. 1 have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM CONINGHAm.
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