13 AUGUST 1904, Page 3

Though the Report of the Chantrey Trust Committee has not

yet been issued, Friday's papers contain a precis of its contents. After condemning in courteous and moderate language the collection of pictures made by the Trustees "as incomplete, and in a large degree unrepresentative," the Report, though clearing the Trustees from any imputation of corrupt or interested motives, expresses the opinion that " too exclusive a preference has been given to pictures , shown at the Academy." The Report also notes, appa- rently with approval, that the expert witnesses stated that the pictures bought include "too many works of a purely popular character, and too few which reach the degree of artistic distinction aimed at by Sir Francis Cbantrey." Finally, the Report recommends that the selection should be , by a Committee of three instead of ten as now, and makes certain useful suggestions for "increased flexibility in the method of purchase." The Committee clearly deserve the thanks of all who care for the nation's art for producing so businesslike and sensible a Report, and for producing it also without undue delay.