Acquisition file

Correspondence with Treasury solicitor concerning the bequest of pictures in lieu of capital transfer tax. An initial list of pictures is provided with valuations. Levey suggests the British Museum and Tate Gallery for certain proposed pictures and asks for pictures other than those listed to be considered for the National Gallery, as those suggested are of less importance than other works held in the estate of the 7th Earl Spencer. For reference Levey states that from the initial list of pictures provided, the only picture of serious significance would be the portrait of Lady Elizabeth Thimbelby and Dorothy, Viscountess Andover. Correspondence with Frere Chomeley (solicitors) relating to calculations of tax rate payable and to the offer to the National Gallery of the portrait Levey highlighted from the original list of proposed works. After the portrait is delivered for inspection by the Trustees it is decided to purchase the work for £173,310. Condition report on the portrait dated November 1976; press releases announcing acquisition, announcement was not made until minor conservation treatment on the portrait had been completed.