Anniversary Address

Extract

Last year, on this occasion of our Anniversary Meeting, I was able to begin my address with a reference to the very handsome bequest received by the Society from our Fellow Mr. Garraway Rice. This year I have to report an even larger benefaction, partly immediate and partly in prospect. By the death of Miss May Morris (whose name will always be held in honour among lovers of the beautiful past, for her own sake as well as that of her father), the Society entered into the possession of the legacy of her sister, Miss Jane Morris, amounting to about £8,500. It will also eventually receive, after the termination of a life interest, a bequest of somewhat similar amount from the estate of Miss May Morris herself. The income from these benefactions will be available for the conservation of ancient buildings and monuments, especially of the medieval period, and will greatly increase the power of the Society for good. The fund will also serve as a worthy monument of a family which did much for the appreciation of medieval art, and for the preservation of our historic monuments and the beauties of our countryside.