THE FINE ART SOCIETY AND ITS CHARGES.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—In the last issue of the Spectator, your Art critic makes the following charges against the Fine-Art Society :- 1. That the charge of ls. for admission to Mr. Ruskin's exhi- bition of the Front and Hunt drawings is exorbitant, and shows a desire to make money out of Mr. Ruskin's reputation, rather than to render it useful. 2. That it is inconsistent with Mr. Ruskin's teaching to price the catalogue so high. 3. That this injuriously affects artists and students.
If the following explanations appear to you satisfactory, I trust that in fairness you will publish them in your next issue : —1. On the cover of the catalogue it is stated that " 25 per cent. of the entrances to the exhibition will be divided amongst Art charities." The remaining 75 per cent. will not suffice to pay the rent, insurances, and the expenses of advertising. 2. It was at my request that Mr. Ruskin placed the price of his " Notes" at Is. 6d. It is the first time that I have heard that that sum was too much for 100 pages from his pen, especially when any proceeds that he obtains go in furtherance of his Art measures. 3. Art students and artists are always admitted free, on production of evidence that they are such. Over 250 of Mr. Ruskin's " Notes " have already been given away to students, artists, and art critics. In conclusion, I may add that at the last exhibition held under Mr. Ruskin's auspices, namely, that of his Turner drawings, the Society derived no pecuniary benefit whatever, either from the entrances or the salo of the " Notes."—I am, Sir, &c., MARCUS B. Hymn, Managing Director. The Fine-Art Society, 148 New Bond Street, W.
[Mr. Huish has not stated our views quite correctly. It was the combined price of 2s. 6d. for admission and catalogue that we considered too high for the very small exhibition referred to. We were not aware that any copies of the catalogue had been given away, and are very glad to find that it is so.—ED. Spectator.]
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