Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 9.djvu/495

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTELLIGENCE. 307 might be anticipated, most cordially responded. Lord Taliiot, in the pro- secution of this beneficial design, has naturally felt convinced, that its full effect, in arousing an intelligent appreciation of the value of National antiquities, would be essentially furthered by the combination of all vestiges of ancient times. The comparison of such relics, discovered in various parts of the British Isles, those especially of the more obscure early periods, cannot fail to be of great reciprocal advantage to Archaeologists on either side of the Iiish Channel. It maybe confidently hoped that the invitation of our President, on an occasion which must be viewed by all members of the Institute with the warmest interest and sympathy, will secure the cordial cooperation of all, who have it in their power to render assistance in such an undertaking. The views with which Lord Talbot has engaged in the direction of this section of the Great Industrial Exhibition at Dublin, will be best appre- ciated through the following statement, recently addressed by him to our Society : — " Lord Talbot has been authorised to organise such an addition to the original plan of the Dublin Exhibition as has been proposed in regard to the illustrations of National Antiquities and Art ; and he hopes that his antiquarian friends and fellow-labourers on this side of the Channel will not refuse their co-operation. lie conceives that few arguments are required to prove the advantages which must accrue to the science of Archaeology by the proposed movement. They may, however, be summed up as follows — " It is necessary, as far as possible, to popularise the study of ancient Art, to extend the field of observation, and increase the number of persons who take an interest in the science. By so doing, we shall preserve from destruction many valuable and beautiful specimens of the arts of our ancestors, and, above all, introduce correct and chaste views in the application of High Art to modern requirements. " It is well known that the exhibition of Early and Mediaeval Art, which was carried out by the joint co-operation of the Society of Arts and Archaeological Institute, in 1850, was most popular and successful ; that it was productive of advantageous results in the cultivation of public taste, and as an auxiliary for various practical purposes. It need hardly be stated, what distinction has been conferred upon the useful arts by the beautiful and learned combinations of distinguished artists, whose names must be familiar to all men of cultivated taste. " The proposed exhibition is intended to illustrate particularly the arts, whether Architecture, Sculpture, the manipulation of metals, glass, pottery, are considered ; and, wiiere the originals cannot be obtained, casts or models would be highly acceptable. Already arrangements have been made for obtaining casts of beautifid and interesting examples connected with Ireland, and exchanges may ultimately be made with great advantage to the collections of both countries. " The arrangements are intended to be, as far as possible, in conforniity with those under which the Exhibition, carried into effect by the Institute in conjunction with the Society of Arts, was conducted ; but a more detailed prospectus will be soon issued, giving information on the details of the proposed plan. In the meantime, Lord Talbot requests any gentleman who feels an interest in the subject, and is disposed to cooperate with him, to offer any sufriiestion, or supiilv information whereby such works of art or antiquities, available for the purposes of this exhibition, may be obtaincu for tlie series, now in course of arrangement ; particularly such as tend to