IMPROVEMENTS planned to the approach to Malvern Library give us much reason to rejoice.

Additions to the front on Graham Road have had the effect of obscuring the interesting approach.

The dramatic three arch facade, surmounted by its carved stone cartouche, needs attention.

Alfred Drury RA, a leading sculptor of the 1900s, was responsible for the winged figure on the war memorial.

The helpful staff of the library have found examples of Drury's work at the Ashmolean Museum, in Oxford, and Patrick Bourne, a leading connoisseur, critic and director of the Fine Art Society, rates his work very highly, finding it to be of considerable significance.

This war memorial, erected by Malvern people to honour the heroic sacrifice of their fellows in World War One, makes a worthy and dignified gesture that is continuing to be needed in these subsequent wars. The planting beyond the Ginko Biloba is very pleasant and shows what can be done.

Members of Malvern Art Club look forward to Worcestershire County Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Town Council working together to conserve and present these works, with a forward looking, sensitive and functional design.

Evidence is emerging of a co-operation between Drury and Arthur Troyte Griffith, architect and friend of Elgar, in the design of the cartouche.

The work of these artists has been overshadowed by piecemeal additions and alterations.

CATHERINE MOODY, president, Malvern Art Club.