Reference code
RAA/SEC/10/61/7
Title
Alfred Munnings, Castle House, Dedham, Colchester, to [W. R. M.] Lamb
Date
c. 1958
Level
Item
Extent & medium
2 pieces, with typescript copy
Content Description
Munnings sends his idea for the Vestibule. He had often begged that the two Hanging Committee pictures should be permanently hung there: one by
Herkomer, the other by
Cope of Yore, which he describes as "[a] fine painting and a great and interesting example to keep before our weakening eyes - our frustrated gaze", adding "[w]ho could begin to do it now?" If the members did not agree to this, he would conclude that they were afraid to compete with their Victorian artists, and did not want the Vestibule to show better work than would be seen in the galleries. Munnings asks Lamb to type his letter and read it at the meeting: he was not well enough to attend. He concludes by describing the purchases of paintings by
Minton and Lamb by the Chantrey Bequest as "wrong and out of line" and a "disgrace":
Sir Francis Chantrey would be turning in his grave.