A press cutting of an article describing The Japan Society’s visit to The Horniman Museum. The excerpt describes that at the invitation of Mr. F. J. Horniman, the members of The Japan Society attended the museum at Forest Hill last Friday. There was hope that the president of the Society, His Excellency the Japanese Minister (Viscount Aoki) would attend, however it was impossible and in a sent telegram expressed his regret and that pressure of official duties does not permit him to leave Berlin. Regardless of the wet weather, in excess of 100 guests attended the evening with Mr. Horniman gracefully welcoming all the Society’s members without Mrs. Horniman who was away in Brighton. A service of tea and coffee was offered in the reception room of the museum, a speciality being made of Japanese tea, which was very much praised by some members of the Japan Society. After the reception, which lasted almost an hour, the members were taken on a tour of the museum, inspecting the exhibits which had taken Mr. Horniman 40 years to amass and involved the expenditure of many thousands of pounds. The Japanese department received special attention with Mr. Horniman acting as cicerone to a portion of the party. There was the intention to have elaborate illumination of the grounds with Japanese lanterns, however the heavy rain was too much for the Japanese lanterns and this part of the programme was not attempted. After, the party adjourned to Mr. Horniman’s residence, Surrey Mount, where refreshments were being served in the dining room and a pleasant array of vocal and instrumental music being played courtesy of Mr. F. Clive and Miss. Ethel Bevan in the drawing room. The excerpt concludes with Mr. Uchida proposing a hearty toast to thank Mr. Horniman for his hospitality which Mr. A. Diosy seconded and in reply Mr. Horniman said he was pleased and honoured in entertaining such distinguished guests. Upon leaving the guests were each presented with a box of butterflies as souvenirs. The final part of the excerpt mentions the members who were able to attend the evening such as: Mr. Paul Bevan (honorary treasurer), Sir Edward J. Reed, Professor C. Stewart, Mr. Purdon Clarke (Director of South Kensington Museum), Mr. R. Quick (Curator of the museum and member of the Japan Society), Mrs. R. Quick, and many others. Amongst the ones who did attend, letters expressing regret at not being able to attend were received from the Lord Mayor, Sir T. and Lady Lawrence, Mr. Elliot Lees, Mr. and Mrs. Emslie Horniman, and many others.
