practicalguideto00unse_0

101
YORKSHIRE FINE ART AND INDUSTRIAL
INSTITUTION.
This building, wliicli is classic in design, has a frontage of
104 feet, and stands on a plot of ground known as Bearpark's
Gardens, close to the Wilberforce School for the Blind.
The elevation is seen admirably from Bootham Bar and the
De Grey Rooms, being in a line with that end of St. Leonard's
Place. The sides are of white brick, with slight stone dressings.
The front is entirely of stone, and is graced by an
open arcaded portico of five arches, and one in each return.
This portion of the building will be further ornamented by
the addition of statuary and mosaics as soon as there are sufficient
funds in hand to meet the necessary expense. Under
and on each side of the portico, which covers a space of 54 by IS
feet, are several doorways ;
passing through any one of which
we step into the entrance hall (39 by 27 feet), having secretary's
ofiice, lavatories, and other rooms on each side. This
leads immediately into the central lecture or concert hall (87
by 39 feet and 50 feet high), with curved open roof. Flanking
this on either side, and forming continuous galleries
lighted from the top, are rooms for pictures. The one on
the right measures 85 by 29 feet; that on the left, 102 by
29 feet, their uniform height 26 feet. A permanent picture
saloon, about the same size as the last-mentioned gallery, is
over the front part of the building, and is approached by a
wide staircase ; it is furnished with fire-proof floor, and
lighted by double skylights. In addition to paintings, it
is proposed to make also a permanent collection of other works
of art, industry, and technical appliances. This, when complete,
in association with the Museum of the Yorkshire
^'
Philosophical Society, in close proximity to St. Mary's Abbey,
the occupation of the old palace buildings by the Wilberforce
School for the Blind, the whole enclosed by the Abbey Walls,
but yet opened out by a noble square, will form an object of
interest perfectly unique and unsurpassed by anything in the
kingdom."
In this building there are periodic exhibitions of oil
paintings and water colours, with other works of art. The
grand saloon is admirably adapted for the exhibition of
paintings from the clever management of the top lights.
The large hall is occasionally used for lectures and concerts.