Acquisition file

Documents relating to the Gallery's purchase of Gainsborough's 'Mr and Mrs Andrews', including correspondence between the paintings owner, G.W. Andrews and the Director and Trustees of the National Gallery. Initial correspondence with Andrews and Charles Holmes followed by later correspondence between Andrews and Philip Hendy after the public announcement of the picture's forthcoming auction. Correspondence between Andrews and John Witt, National Gallery Chairman. Correspondence with the Treasury relating to the provision of a grant for the purchase of the painting. Correspondence between William Spooner and Witt relating to Spooner's donation of £2000 towards the purchase price. Correspondence between Witt and the Pilgrim Trust concerning the Trust's initial donation of £10,000 and its subsequent increase to £25,000.