THE ROYAL ACADEMY.
rro Tus EDITOR OF THE " SezarsTos.")
Sir,—Last year you, were good enough to insert a letter from me, calling attention to the practical exclusion of large classes of the community from the Royal Academy exhibitions, by the aban- donment on the part of the Council of the excellent plan adopted some years ago of opening the rooms till 10 in the evening during the last month of the season.
Another July is now closing and this privilege has not been restored ; but we employes, who are too closely engaged all day during the busy summer months to be able worthily to study what might be taught us in those galleries—or perhaps even to enter the galleries at all—again find that in our hours of leisure the doors are shut.
How long are the treasures of this and kindred societies to be looked at by none but a privileged few? It cannot be the wish of artists generally that only those shall approach their pictures who make the gallery a lounge, during the hours in which it is custom- ary to be seen there,—beeause they have nothing else to do. Painters and sculptors would find more hearty and loving and reverent appreciation from thousands whose occupation keeps them behind the tradesman's counter or in the mechanic's work-shop, could those obtain access to their work, than from the fashion- able promenaders, whose extremely intelligent interest in the art they professedly come to inspect Mr. Punch has so often pointed out. Surely painters do not care only for the visits of probable purchasers. Surely they paint to teach and please all who are capable of being taught and pleased by their work ; and such are to be found in all classes of society, whether they be called upper er lower.
The reduction of price which formerly was a feature of the evening exhibition is of secondary importance. The galleries ought to be open, even if additional attendance and lighting rendered a higher charge necessary. Those who wish to come would not be kept away by a difference of sixpence or a shilling, nor would the number of their visits be much reduced. Even the poorest permits himself some luxuries, and if a man will not give up his cigar, or glass of beer, or, if necessary, the butter from his bread to gain this higher gratification, it is not worth while study- ing him in the matter at all. There are many, I doubt not, who would gladly avail themselves of an opportunity of cultivating those tastes and sensibilities to which good art ministers, at almost any cost, except that of time which le not their own, and for which they cannot reasonably ask, to such an extent as would be necessary for the reception of the kind of teaching that I con- template.
Will the secretary tell us whether there is any hope that on the Completion of the Academy buildings, or at any future time, the evening exhibitions will be resumed 2—I am, Sir, &c.,
A BOOKSELLER'S ASSISTANT.
Previous page
