Fred. Leighton, 2 Holland Park Road, Kensington, to Spielmann

1 piece

He readily believes that Spielmann does not intend to throw odium on the members of the Academy. He disputes the assertion that in the last six to eight years only 175 pictures have been accepted "outright". This year 356 were accepted in oil alone. "Accepted" pictures are not crowded out as they must be hung. The numbers hung were not kept lower to "silence a clamour", the whole passage is completely misleading. He alludes to "more selfish Academicians" swaying the General Assembly, he cannot discuss the dealings of the assembly, but stresses that decisions are made by majority only. These matters, and others, diminsh the import of Spielmann's article.