I'm out - Scottish Government on second Titian
October 24 2011
Pic: National Galleries of Scotland
The Scottish Government has announced it will not be contributing towards the acquisition of the second Titian masterpiece 'Diana and Callisto' from the Duke of Sutherland.
The painting is part of The Bridgewater Collection belonging to the Duke which has been on permanent loan to the National Gallery of Scotland since 1945. The Duke announced their sale back in 2008 at a heavily reduced £50m each. The first painting 'Diana and Actaeon' was bought for the nation with a considerable donation of £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.'
There is still a chance the painting can be secured, although the Government's refusal is a sizeable setback. Lets hope the Duke is full of Christmas spirit this year, as it would be a terrible shame to see it leave the UK.
More here.
By LH.
