Though Virginia's animals and sportsmen of the 1700-1850 era are long since dead, their descendants
still pursue the same pastimes, in essentially the same places, and in almost identical costumes. Evidences
of Virginia's religious and historical concerns are everywhere: in her ancient churches still in use, and
in her constant care for preservation of the past. Proof of Virginia's interest in mythology may be found
in the Greek temples blithely adapted for habitation at 'Arlington' and 'Berry Hill'.

Virginians, therefore, will find direct family ties in this exhibition. And, because a surprisingly large
number of Americans do, or claim to, have ' Virginia grandmothers', these also will have a warm rapport
with the display. Since the rest of the nation comes on ever-increasing pilgrimages to the State where the
first permanent English settlement was established, the Mellon collection will serve to enlarge their
concept of the Mother Country. And, finally, understanding between England and America will
inevitably be increased, to the benefit of the civilized world.

Many talented people have worked to bring this exhibition to completion. The Mellons' friend,
Basil Taylor, an English art historian, has advised them on the development of their collection. It is he
who has written this catalogue, which has been handsomely designed by John Griffiths in England. Some
of the research, much of the planning and all of the labour of conservation and transportation have
been undertaken by John Baskett, Curator of the Mellon collection.

At the Virginia Museum, co-ordination of removing literally all the permanent collections and
installing the Mellon exhibition has been executed by William Gaines, Charles Montgomery and
William Rhodes. The design of the exhibition's effective setting is the work of John Koenig, and public
information on all levels has been the large responsibility of William Morrison.

But of all the persons concerned with 'Painting in England, 1700-1850', it is Paul Mellon, himself,
who has done the most. His was the conception of forming the collection, his has been the drive to make
complete such a rare and needed assemblage, and his is the generosity which now brings this comprehen-
sive display for viewing by the public. This exhibition, however, is but the latest in a series of benefactions
he has made during twenty-five years as a devoted Trustee of the Virginia Museum.

The Trustees, Members and Staff of the Virginia Museum, and the people of the Commonwealth of
Virginia, are deeply grateful to all who have made possible this magnificent exhibition - and especially,
to Mr and Mrs Mellon.

LESLIE CHEEK Jr, Director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

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