HC Deb 03 May 1804 vol 24 cc227-8
MR. DARLING (Deptford)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works on what ground the valuable collection of casts from the antique at the South Kensington Museum formed by Mr. Walter Copland Perry, which since 1880 have been exhibited in a large well-lighted hall, have, with the exception of the Parthenon and Phigaleian friezes, been removed into a long dark gallery; who is responsible for the alterations, in consequence of which many of the casts, particularly those of the Eginetan and Parthenon groups, have had to be divided and dislocated; and whether the casts will be replaced in their old position or in some other place where they can be properly seen?

SIR H. HOWORTH (Salford, S.)

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask him whether the most distinguished achaeologist in England was not directly responsible for the removal of those casts; whether before removing them he did not consult with nearly all the available people within reach of London who have any special knowledge on the subject; and whether he did not then find that the great preponderance of opinion—in fact, the whole opinion, with the exception of that of one or two—was in favour of this removal, including Mr. Perry himself.

* MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman is not asking a question, so much as conveying information.

THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Mr. ACLAND, York, W.R., Rotherham)

I am responsible for carrying out the suggestion of the able Director of the Museum, Dr. Middleton, on this matter. The real cause of the change is the overcrowding of the Museum. The collection of tapestries at South Kensington, which is nearly, if not actually, the finest in the world, had never been actually seen, till it took its turn a few months ago in the Court where the casts were. It appeared absolutely necessary to show them to the public, for a time at all events, and I have received letters of cordial approval from several distinguished artists and other authorities. No discourtesy has been intended to Mr. Perry, and there are those who believe that, when the arrangements are complete, the casts will appear not to have suffered so much as has been suggested. There is nothing to prevent the casts returning to their former hall after a time, but I cannot name any particular date.