Acquisition file

Letter from P.H. Byme-Cook (solicitor, Macfarlanes) informing John Witt that the trustees of the Harewood Trust have decided to sell 'The Death of Actaeon', which has been on long term loan to the National Gallery. The picture is to be sold by Christies during 1971. Arrangements for the transfer of the picture to Christies and initial arrangments for an attempt to purchase the picture by the Gallery. Letters from the public asking the Gallery to consider an appeal to raise funds for the picture. Notes from a meeting with the paymaster general, Lord Eccles, on 24 March discussing the implications of the sale and the possibility of a public appeal to acquire the picture. Eccles refuses to provide government support through a special grant or any contribution towards an appeal. Draft public statements from the Gallery explaining the government position and the Gallery's own view that an appeal can not go ahead without government backing. Correspondence with Sir Anthony Hornby of the National Art Collections Fund discussing the issue, the Fund agrees to be included in the statement and supports the Gallery's position. Notes and correspondence concerning the possibility of the picture being purchased by the Getty Museum and then given to the National Gallery on loan. Condition reports on the picture. Notes from a further meeting with Eccles, who continues to refuse support. Draft letter to consultant firms asking for advice on how best to run a campaign to raise funds for the Titian.