I thought I might try to lighten this discussion up a bit. I found this
note while browsing old issues of the Museums Journal. It is the first (I
think) in a series of notes on the topic. It is from volume 3, #2 (August
1903). There is nothing new under the sun.
 
 
"NATIONAL MUSEUMS AND FREE ENTRY -- ...As to the charge for admission on
certain days to the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the
Victoria and Albert Museum, the Tate Gallery, and the Wallace Gallery,
there can be no doubt that it should be abolished. Five years ago the
Select Committee on the Museums of the Science and Art Department made a
point of recommending "that admission to all the museums be always free,"
yet on three days a week sixpence is still demanded from every visitor to
the Victoria and Albert Museum."
 
Eileen Mak
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