"The very warm interest which has been evinced during the past year in reference to everything connected with the Fine Arts, and the growing conviction that their progress will tend much to both the public and individual advantage, has given an important stimulus to many minds, and already we see the commencement of a new era, which there is little doubt, will be characterised by a purer and exalted taste, whilst, at the same time, the range of application will be very greatly extended."