MAY I respond to Mrs Barker’s recent letter regarding York Art Gallery.

I note her point regarding the large number of people just calling in to use the loos at the gallery before it was closed for the refurbishment, but in fact I think it was on one particularly cold and miserable day and the story has been told because it was such a rare occurrence.

I would like to remind Mrs Barker that there are also many days when the gallery is normally open and is crowded with residents and tourists.

When we’ve had special exhibitions, like the Stubbs Whistlejacket or the David Hockney Bigger Trees Near Water, the attendance records have been broken.

The gallery has a large and enthusiastic following including an active Friends association and, if Mrs Barker would like to consider supporting it by joining us, I will be pleased to send her a membership form.

Tony Baker, Membership secretary, Friends of York Art Gallery, Lucombe Way, New Earswick, York