HL Deb 23 February 1866 vol 181 cc956-7

Amendments reported (according to Order).

THE EARL OF MALMESBURY

suggested the omission of the word "Ancient" in the fifth line of the preamble. It having been suggested that there would be some want of courtesy towards foreign nations in refusing leave for our works of the Old Masters to be sent to the Paris Exhibition of 1867, he had looked into the question and could not find any instance in which ancient pictures had been sent from foreign Museums to this country. The removal of works of this description were attended with so much risk that he trusted our contributions to the Paris Exhibition would be confined to the works of modern masters.

LORD STANLEY OF ALDERLEY

said, his observations on a former evening applied to modern, not to ancient pictures.

THE EARL OF MALMESBURY

said, if that were so the noble Lord must have been misunderstood. The fact, however, was that in France little need or desire existed to see such specimens of the ancient masters as we possessed. The Spanish and Italian schools of painting were probably better represented than they were with us. Their great desire was to see the works of our modern school of painters, and to study the progress of art in this country.

LORD STANLEY OF ALDERLEY

said a few words in explanation.

LORD TAUNTON

, agreeing with the observations of the noble Lord opposite, thought it would be better to introduce more general words. The phrase "British works of ancient Art" left it doubtful whether the works referred to were those of ancient British artists, or merely works of ancient artists in the possession of persons resident in this country.

After a few observations from Lord OVERSTONE and the Duke of MARLBOROUGH, the words "Works of Art now in this country" were substituted for the words "British works of ancient Art."

Further Amendments made.

Bill to be read 3a on Monday next; and to be printed, as amended. (No. 26.)