Acquisition file

Letter from John Hale (Chairman of the Trustees) to Nicholas Phillips (owner of Luton Hoo and associated art collection) expressing the Gallery's interest in 'Christ taking leave of His Mother' should the picture ever come onto the market. Internal memos and correspondence relating to the potential value of the picture and the possible ways in which the work could be sold, including by private treaty to a public collection. Correspondence discussing the picture's value with C.R. Ponter of Christie's; correspondence to different funds requesting help with the forthcoming purchase including the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the National Art Collections Fund and the Pilgrim Trust. The National Art Collections Fund agrees to contribute £75,000 towards the purchase, correspondence detailing this and the total purchase price of £2,450,000 that the Trustees agree on. Letters from Brinsley Ford (NACF Chairman) attempting to co-ordinate a response to the appeal from other funds; the National Heritage Memorial Fund agrees to contribute up to £1,000,000 towards the purchase, the final contribution is £825,000. The Pilgrim Trust agrees to contribute £50,000. Correspondence between Michael Levey and M.G.E. Miles, Private Secretary to the Minister for Arts, discussing disagreements over the way in which the acquisition was announced. Press release and text for press information, 13 November 1980. Papers from the Finance department recording purchase.