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"It
has often been made a reproach to our country that in England collections
of Works of Art, and Exhibitions for Instruction or Amusement, cannot,
without danger of injury, be thrown open to the public. If any ground for
such a reproach still remains, I am convinced that it can be removed
only by greater liberality in admitting the people to such establishments;
by thus teaching them that they are themselves the parties most deeply
interested in their preservation, and that it must be the interest of the
public to protect that which is intended for the public advantage. If we
wish to obtain
the affection and regard of others, we must manifest
kindness and regard towards them; if we seek to wean them from debasing
pursuits and brutalising pleasures, we can only hope to do so by opening
to them new sources of rational enjoyment. It is under this conviction
that I dedicate these Gardens to the Public and I will only add, that as
the sun has shone brightly on me through life, it would be ungrateful in
me not to employ a portion of the fortune which I possess, in promoting
the welfare of those amongst whom I live, and by whose industry I have
become aided in its acquisition. I now,
therefore, present to the Council the Deed of Settlement, and all the
writings relating to the Arboretum.
Joseph Strutt, Wednesday September 16th 1840 From Derby Arboretum, A Catalogue of Trees And Shrubs , Loudon 1840 (Courtesy of Derby Local Studies Library).
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"Having thus prepared this piece of land for the intended purpose, I have given it the name of The ARBORETUM, Joseph Strutt, Sept. 16th 1840 |
Follow this link for a full account of the events of September 16th, 17th and 19th 1840. |
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