Charles Saumarez Smith, Director of the National Gallery.

The Greatest Painting in Britain

Charles Saumarez Smith, Director of the National Gallery

I was very delighted that Turner's great painting of 'The Fighting Temeraire' won the BBC poll of Greatest Painting in Britain, and I hope that it will encourage as many people as possible to come and see the painting, hanging in the same gallery as Constable's 'Hay Wain', which came second.

The poll has helped stimulate public discussion about art over the breakfast tables of the United Kingdom and has encouraged people to rediscover great art throughout the country.

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