I'm out - Scottish Government on second Titian painting
October 25 2011
The Scottish government has announced that it will not be contributing any money for the acquisition of Titian's 'Diana and Callisto' from the Duke of Sutherland.
Some of you may be aware of the ongoing campaign to prevent the second of the two Titian masterpieces from leaving Scotland, where they have both have hung as part of The Bridgewater Collection since 1945. The funds for the first, 'Diana and Actaeon' were successfully raised in 2009 which included a sizable contribution of around £12m from the Scottish Government who now say;
“this government has made its contribution to the campaign”
and
'...with a 57 per cent cut to the culture portfolio capital budget over the next three years, there are no additional funds available for major purchases.'
This isn't to say however that the National Gallery will not still be able to acquire the work, but it certainly is a considerable set back...come on Duke, where's your Christmas spirit? £12m is neither here nor there...
More here.
By LH.
