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WISH to commend tlie work of the National Film Library to all those interested in the histor}' and development of the screen.
Widiin the space of fort\' vears a new art has come into being. The pioneers in this, as in odier fields, made litde attempt to preser^-e their products once they had served their purpose. Not one really early film exists in its entiret\-. But more or less complete fragments have been unearthed from vaults where they have lain forgotten for years. They are now in die safe keep.ng of the Nadonal Film Fibrari, in this countn or of similar Lnstitudons abroad.
There are, no doubt, manv other sur\-ivors of the davs of the Nickelodeon, Electric Palaces and Cinedromes, but thev have to be sought out, treated and put into safe keeping if they are not to harden, shrink, or fade to such an extent as soon to be worthless.
Some of the masterpieces produced as recentlv as the immediate post-\\ ar years have been entirely lost because of the junking of every copy after the commercial run was over. The National Fikn Library intends to prevent other irreparable losses of this sort occurring. The student of to-da-\ as well as of the future should have access to a complete record of the development of the cinema from the standpoints of production, camera teclmique, the art of a noted player, the changes in pubhc taste and box-office appeal, etc.
The National Film Librar)'' has been in being for nearly two \'ears. During that period it has acquired copies of many old films, and through the generosit\ of the film trade it is now receiving copies of most of the important productions to-dav.
More funds must be obtained if the National Film Libran^ is to carry out its work on a scale comparable to that of hbraries in other countries which are in receipt of large sums from the public purse or research foundations.
Money is wanted for three main purposes. Firstly, old films must be bought and preserved so that the collection may be made really representative of the history ot the cinema.
Secondly, copies of many of these films should be made available to the many thousands of people in the countn who are interested in the history of the Film, and who wish to exltibit them at lectures, demonstrations and so forth. Copies of a few pre-\\"ar films have already been made and are available from the Loan Section of the Library to individuals and societies in membership of the Institute.
Lastly, means must be adopted to preserve the films permanench'. The British Kinematograph Society', at the request of die Film Institute, lately set up a strong committee of investigation. One of its recoirmiendations was that films " as a matter of routine should be subjected to complete refixation and thorough washing in man\ changes of water with a filial rinse in distilled water." This expensive process must be undertaken if the Library is properly to fulfil its function.
As President of the National Film Library I appeal to everybody who reads these words to help in this project ; but especially do I appeal to those in the Industry itself.
Sutherland, n a t i o x .\ l f i l .m l i b r .\ r y , 4 great r u s s e l l street, london, w.c.i
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