Reference code
RAA/SEC/2/7/3
Title
James Barry to F. M. Newton
Date
[31 Jan 1786]
Level
Item
Extent & medium
1p.
Previous reference codes
B III 3, 1041 (members' files)
Historical Background
Barry had been elected Professor of Painting in 1782, but had allowed two years to elapse before giving the first of his six lectures. At a meeting of Council of 31 December 1785, Barry had been requested to resume his lectures on 9 January 1786. In a letter read at Council on 30 January, Barry offered to read his fourth lecture on Monday 6 February and his fifth on the Monday following. The Council decided at that meeting that as there was no time for Barry to give his six lectures complete (it was decided that
Thomas Sandby should begin his lectures on architecture on 20 February) they should be postponed until the following year. Barry wrote again on 31 January. The letter was read at the meeting of Council of 7 February and the Secretary instructed to inform Barry that they saw no reason to change their position.
Content Description
Barry requests that the proper advertisements be placed in newspapers announcing his intention to read his fourth lecture in the Royal Academy on 6 February [1786], as he did not wish to be disappointed himself, to disappoint his friends and public, to be wanting in his engagements to the Academy, or to lose ten pounds.