Acquisition file

Correspondence between William and Glyn's Trust Company and the National Gallery informing the Trustees of Sir Robert Hart's death and providing initial details of his bequest. Hart leaves the Tate Gallery 'an oil painting of a Provencale Landscape' by Vlaminck and the British Museum any of the watercolour paintings they wish to chose from his collection. The National Gallery is bequeathed any works that the Trustees wish to select from the remaining pictures and drawings. All the residue of Hart's estate is also bequeathed to the National Gallery, to form a trust fund for purchase of a picture or pictures for the Gallery. Hart's possessions are to be kept by his bank and sold in order to convert them into funds. Hart's executors correspond with the Gallery on details regarding this arrangement, including the potential sums that may be given to those who were caring for Hart in the months before his death. Arrangements for probate valuation are discussed and the Trustees role in dealing with other areas of Hart's estate, including the contents of his home, is established. Auction catalogues from sales of different parts of Hart's personal collections are included, together with an inventory and valuation of the silver and plate items from Hart's collection.