In the proposed alterations it is presumed that there would be no difficulty in closing up the two passages which lead from the square to Duke’s Court and to the barracks; though if it were thought desirable, one or both of these could be retained. The entrance to these passages is now effected by an ascending flight of ten steps; by simply reversing this arrangement and substituting a descending flight, the passages could be carried through the building below the floor of the present lower rooms. The estimated cost of the entire alteration is under 34,000_l._, which has been verified by a responsible builder; but to provide for additional decorations and contingencies a sum of (say) 50,000_l._ might be allowed; and even this, to accomplish the objects proposed, would be a moderate and justifiable outlay, which the public would scarcely grudge for such results; and the Royal Academy might not object to share the expense, as they would participate in the advantages of the improvements. These alterations and improvements, moreover, could be effected without closing the Gallery for a day. By using the entrance under the western side portico as a temporary entrance for the public, the centre part could be finished without interfering with the National Gallery, and by moving the pictures into the portion completed (a work of a few hours) the wing might be in like manner finished, the public being then admitted through the new entrance-hall. * * * * * Briefly to sum up, the advantages to be gained are— 1. The whole of the top-lighted space will be utilized. 2. The lower floors will also be made available for exhibition and schools. 3. The means of access and of internal communication will be improved. 4. The picture space for the National Gallery will be doubled, without disturbing the Royal Academy. 5. The space available for exhibiting drawings, &c. will be increased about fourfold. 6. The appearance of the building both externally and internally will be improved. 7. The whole alteration can be completed within six months, and without moving a single picture out of the building, or closing the National Gallery to the public for a single day. 8. The cost of the entire work would not exceed 50,000_l._ * * * * * Any other plan than the above will delay the settlement of this vexed question interminably, and will lead to an expenditure of hundreds of thousands of pounds; whereas the adoption of the present proposal, coupled with the principle of local circulation rather than metropolitan centralization, will promote a taste for art throughout the United Kingdom, and enlist the sympathies and assistance of all in the conservation and extension of a National Collection of Pictures, thus rendered accessible to the population of the most remote districts. FOOTNOTES