23 April 2004
Auditor general for Wales Sir John Bourn has praised management at the National Museums and Galleries of Wales for making progress in improving information on collections and works of art.
But, in a report published this week, he warns: 'There is still a substantial backlog of work in record-keeping and conservation.'
Visitor numbers have increased by 87% since the introduction of free entry in 2001, his report notes.
Although much of the collection is not on view because of a lack of space, NMGW has most items available on request.
'The backlogs that persist mean that much of the collection is not maintained as well as it ought to be and that this needs to be addressed to preserve Welsh national heritage for future generations,' Bourn says.
'Until these are dealt with, the public cannot take full advantage of all that the museum has to offer.'
PFapr2004
