| Description | Harrison writes seeking the support of the Society of Antiquaries for his plan to ask the Office of Works to install a call bell for taxi cabs fixed outside of Burlington House, Piccadilly, operated by bell pushes in the halls of all the Societies, including the Academy of Arts. He notes that the Academy of Arts should really bear the cost, as they would use it most, but previous experience suggests to him that they are unlikely to go to expense for the benefit of the learned societies. He highlights the convenience of the call bell, and the fact that it will remove the nuisance currently presented by individuals whistling for cabs in the quadrangle, which is most prevalent during the Academy's picture exhibitions.
He is seeking the support of the resident officers of the learned societies before putting the case to the Secretary of the Academy of Arts. The Office of Works are unlikely to bear the costs, but if they are spread amongst the societies and the Academy, it should not be too onerous, and they may persuade the Academy of Arts to pay a larger share in these circumstances.
A pencil annotation asks that the letter also be sent to Mr Wesley, Mr Bellenfante, Mr Jackson and Mr Cale. |