On 14 Aug 1850, the Public Libraries Act received Royal Assent. This Act repealed the 1845 Museums of Art Act, making the adoption of the Act a matter of city-wide rather than just council vote, and adding libraries to the provision; still put maximum new levy at ½ penny per pound of taxable property, but disallowed admission charges. Image: The Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Articles

Amy Woodson-Boulton, “The City Art Museum Movement and the Social Role of Art”