On 21 July 1845, the Museums of Art Act received Royal Assent. This Act encouraged the establishment of museums of art or science by granting towns with over 10,000 inhabitants the right to buy land and erect buildings, to be supported with an increase in rates (property taxes) of no more than ½ penny to the pound; such lands, buildings, and collections were to be owned and managed by the Council. Town Councils could fix admission charges not to exceed one penny per person, to be used for museum employees’ salaries and museum maintenance. 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”