§ MR. ERRINGTONasked the Chief Commissioner of Works, Whether it be true, as stated in the "Morning Post" of the 5th instant, that Mr. Richmond, E.A., has examined the two water-glass pictures by the late Mr. Maclise in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster, and has ascertained that they are not permanently injured; and, whether it be true that the "efflorescence" which exhibited itself some time ago has been removed?
LORD HENRY LENNOXSir, in answer to the Question of the hon. Member for Longford County, I have to say that the "efflorescence" in question on the magnificent frescoes of Maclise of the meeting of Wellington and Blucher commenced to show itself shortly after the picture was completed in 1861, and from that time it has unhappily spread over the whole face of the picture. For myself, I wish I could say positively that the picture is not permanently injured. More than a year ago Mr. Richmond examined the picture, and he stated that in his opinion by a delicate treatment he could remove the "efflorescence" without injury to the rest of the picture. That opinion, however, was contradicted by other artists as eminent as Mr. Richmond, and the matter was allowed to drop. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would only ask the hon. Member to call this afternoon at the Royal Gallery, and he will see for himself most painfully that the "efflorescence" has not been removed.