Queen Pulls Plug on 'Surveyor of Pictures' Position
December 23 2020
Picture: The Times
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Times have reported on rather shocking news that the Royal Collection Trust is abolishing the post of 'Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures'. This cull is part of a 'wider restructuring plan' and has meant that the current holder Desmond Shawe-Taylor has been made redundant. The position of Surveyor of the Queen's Works of Art, currently held by Rufus Bird, has also been axed.
This integral position for one of the world's greatest collections of art has existed since 1625. More recent holders of the role include the likes of Anthony Blunt and Kenneth Clark (pictured above).
The Royal Collection have been quoted:
The posts of surveyor of the Queen’s pictures and surveyor of the Queen’s works of art will, for the time being, be lost and held in abeyance. The director of the Royal Collection, Tim Knox, will assume overall responsibility for the curatorial sections, supported by the deputy surveyors of pictures and works of art.
The article suggests that the loss of revenue to the virus crisis is to blame. It is expected that the Royal Collection Trust will have a £64m drop in incoming between 2020-21.
