In the 1950-1952 Biennial President's Report (Digital Conservancy), Ruth Lawrence shares an appraisal of how the concepts of museums and art have changed since becoming Director in 1934:
The concepts of museums, the methods of teaching art, and the attitudes of art have changed completely since WWI. Our 19th century patterns were deliberate and unhurried; speed is today's yardstick. Therefore, what is presented must meet the demands of rapid appraisal, coupled with maximum interest.