Punch: Punch (91.1886)

August 7, 1886.] PUNCH, OE THE LONDON CHAEIVAEI.

71

AN AFFAIR OF ART.

HE Sage saluted each Member of the Procession as it passed
before him. Several had come from Piccadilly, others from Pall
Mall, quite a crowd from united Bond Street—New and Old.

"Anymore, Sir Frederick?" asked the Sage of the leader of
this strange gathering.

" Lots, my dear and valued friend, replied the polished P.R.A.,
" and, consequently, those who oppose my wish to limit the number
of pictures hung by the same exhibitor at Burlington House, have
the less excuse. As 1 have said to my respected colleagues Holl,
Leslie, and Cooper "Wells, nowadays we have so many Galleries
that-"

"The House of Burlington should be kept as a place for speci-
mens. I share your opinion, Sir Frederick, and feel sure that
Mr. Holl, for instance, if he had excluded that picture of his of
Sir John Millais, _ f rom this year's Academy, would not have
damaged his reputation by the omission."
The P.R.A. smiled, bowed, and passed on gracefully.
" You appear pleased, Sir Coutts?" suggested Mr. Punch.
" I should think so," exultingly replied the artistic Baronet, "I
have got a large picture on the line."

'' A large picture on the line! "Where ? "

"Atthe Grosvenor Gallery," was the ready response, and then
the talented and titled Likdsay added, " I don't know why it was so
it >T honoured."

No more do I," returned Mr. Punch ; " but I fancy I can guess. "Well, Sir Coutts, at any rate it is in good company."
An elderly Artist followed, "All hail, Sir Jonx, President of the Royal Society of Painters in Water-Colours. All hail!".,,., f
. -thanks; but I am thinking of retiring," explained the veteran, Gilbert. "You see, fond as I am of dispensing hospitality oi
maintaining the reputation of the Painters in Water Colours—I find that one grows older." . ,

tho" ? :,1ldge from Tour work' 1 s5wtll(l doubt it," replied the Sage, with a bow fully as graceful as that of the P.P.A., and turning
next who approached him, offered him his hand. It was grasped with the utmost heartiness.
" n V J> D* LlNT0N- 1 am slad to see you."

>< Jjln D,ellal1 °f the Institute, I thank you," said the President. " Yes, Mr. Punch, I most respectfully thank you."
" w v Fan°y BaUs> en? K"0 more historical tableaux ? No dance in Piccadilly this year, eh ? " „
_^e nave given up dancing, my dear Mr. Punch, since they tried—h'm '.—well, something of the sort at the Grosvenor.___