If familliarity can breed contempt, certainly Art, or what is currently taken for it, has been brought to its lowest stage of intimacy! – –Īrt is upon the Town! – to be chucked under the chin, by the passing gallant! – to be enticed within the gates of the house-holder – to be coaxed into company, as a proof of culture and refinement! – I would plead for my want of habit, did it not seem preposterous, judging from precedent, that aught save the most efficient effrontery, could be ever expected in connection with my subject – for I will not conceal from you, that I mean to talk about Art! Yes, Art – that has, of late become, as far as much discussion and writing can make it, a sort of common topic for the Tea table. If timidity be at all allied to the virtue modesty, and can find favor in yourĮyes, I pray you, for the sake of that virtue, accord me your utmost indulgence It is with great hesitation and much misgiving that I appear before you, in the character of – The Preacher – Public lecture, Prince's Hall, Piccadilly, 20 February 1885.
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