National Museums and Galleries1

Abstract

THE Royal Commission on National Museums and Galleries has now presented its general conclusions and recommendations in Part I. of a final report, leaving to a further part specific proposals relating to the several institutions that come under consideration. In the interim report of a year ago, the Commission dealt with certain urgent practical needs and the recommendations were endorsed in their entity by the Government, doubtless stimulated thereto by the public spirit of Sir Joseph Duveen. The Commission has taken additional evidence and examined special problems by sub-committees, of which that on publicity and contact with the public dealt with a subject of vast importance. It has not been concerned solely with the twenty national institutions named in the terms of reference, but has attempted to suggest the directions of policies designed to make all exhibited collections of more value in national life. “The immediate need”, as it remarks, “at the present time is for a more active use of the magnificent resources at. the disposal of the nation. The potentialities of artistic and scientific education, partially dormant in our museums and galleries, extend to every domain of knowledge, and can be set in motion to influence all classes and sections of the community. But there is to-day inadequate contact, and an absence of dynamic and coordinated effort.”