R.A.C. NOTICE BOARDS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,— -I venture to think your article in the Spectator of February 5th, headed " R.A.C. Notice Boards," scarcely did justice to the idea underlying the decision of the Royal Auto. mobile Club to recommend to local authorities the placing of notice plates, of a certain type, in localities where objects of antiquarian or historic interest are to be seen.
The writer of the article jumped to the conclusion that the plates must be very large—which is incorrect—that they will he very ugly and obtrusive—which is also very far from the truth—and that they will encourage the orange-peel type of tripper—which is absurd. The Royal Automobile Club have sanctioned a very restrained scheme of colouring—dark blue and primrose—and a refined style of lettering—handi- work, not block type. No authority is bound to put up such a plate if they prefer not to do so ; but there is already a very considerable request for particulars, which shows that the idea is generally appreciated.
As an ardent motorist, with as complete a knowledge of our country as most, I find I am constantly missing beautiful old church interiors and places of entrancing interest just because there is no visible sign of their existence.
Those who know the work with which I have been associated in my publishing business will never—I am sure—associate me with a desire to vulgarize or deface the beautiful villages of dear old England. But I do welcome this opportunity of assisting the Royal Automobile Club in creating a greater reverence and regard for these shrines of historic or national interest.—I am, Sir, &e., 43, 45 and 47 Kingszoay, London, W.C. 2.
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