Although I’ve never actually succeeded in logging on to the Times account, there is a good and clear account of the fundraising involved in our great building project in this morning’s Saturday Review by Richard Morrison, the Times music critic and a veteran of arts reporting (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raising-the-curtain-on-the-new-royal-academy-hhglf77f7). It makes clear that we are still a bit short on the final amount we need to pay for the building. As of yesterday, we had raised £2,658,159 of the £3 million public appeal. 89%. It’s not too late to give on https://makeyourmark.royalacademy.org.uk
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
A wonderfully judged interview. Congratulations. Balanced, wise. It shows exactly why you’ve had the amazing career that you’ve had. And why this is going to be such a great year. But Morrison fails to identify the importance of the relationships you’ve created around you – Christopher Le Brun, Richard Carew Pole.
Yes, I’m the first to acknowledge that Richard and Christopher – and Mervyn – have raised much more of the money than I have. Charles
My son has promised to send the article to me – hope you manage the amount needed.
I can send it. Charles