NOTHING is more reprehensible than prejudice, unless it is judging on insufficient evidence. I was guilty on both counts in my letter published on January 16.

Because of my concern for York Art Gallery's mothballed permanent collection, and the controversial deployment of council funding, I was dumbfounded by the incongruity of appointing a writer in residence to the art gallery. Thus, I neglected to inquire on what terms the appointment had been made.

I have now discovered those terms are such as to disarm all criticism. One could wish that Tracy Chevalier's generosity might serve as an example to our councillors. Indeed, I wonder if it would not be advantageous to second our writer in residence to Guildhall. She could explore the links between fiction and local politics.

As to exploring the links between fiction and art, I remain hard to reach. Why not simply accept art for what it is? If we go to the theatre, is it not to see a play? If we go to a concert hall, it is surely in the expectation of hearing music. And an art gallery? A gallery is no more than the art work it contains. There is no missing link.

The trustees take a different view. They seem to believe that the gallery would be a fun place for communal activities, if it weren't for those boring old pictures.

I am sure Tracy will find a warm welcome in York, a welcome in which I heartily join. If she would wave her wand and magically produce the gallery's shamefully hidden treasures for us, she will not only be doubly welcome, but will be remembered ever after as our fairy godmother.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.