RESEARCH IN BRITISH ART
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sta,—" C. D.'s" letter in your issue of January 24th is a most generous gesture, and its aims deserve strong support from others interested in the study of British Art. I would, however, like to suggest that his proposed foundation of a prize, or prizes, be laid aside in favour of a general fund to help research in British Art. The terms of the Trust should be left as free as possible, but the choice of trustees should be a matter of the greatest care.
In view of " C. D.'s" laments, it is perhaps only fair to note that the Dictionary of National Biography includes a remark-
able number of valuable biographies of artists, and to remember how ,much has been done in the last twenty years by the Walpole Society and the Qld Water-colour Society's Club. Their annual publications contain most important contribu- tions from scholars of repute, done for no financial reward. And among other works notable additions to our knowledge of English Art have been provided by Professors Constable, Tristram and Borenius in their works on Early English Painting, and by Mr. W. T. Whitley in his volumes on the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, But some achieve, ment does not lessen our responsibility for the future, and it is greatly to be hoped that "C. D.'s" proposals will be carried further in a modified and broadened form.—I am, Sir, yours,
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