Acquisition file

Deeds of gift, dated 16 Dec 1941, signed by Violet Van der Elst giving 'The Conversion of St Paul' by Karl Dujardin, 'St Sebastian' by Cagnacci and The Rescue of Olindo and Sophronia' and 'The Death of Adonis' by Giordano to the Gallery after her death; correspondence with Messrs Christie, Manson & Woods re Mrs Van der Elst's intention to sell one of the Giordanos gifted to the Gallery in 1955 and its subsequent withdrawal from auction; correspondence with W.A.H. Druitt of Treasury Solicitor's Office re Mrs Van der Elst's request to be released from her intentions re the Dujardin in 1957; correspondence with Phillips Son & Neale (auctioneers), Messrs Evans Baker and Co (solicitors) and Druitt re Mrs Van der Elst's subsequent attempt to sell the Giordanos and Dujardin in 1959 and the Gallery's agreement to relinquish their claim to the Giordanos and Cagnacci in order to receive the Dujardin only.

Also correspondence with Anthony Blunt re Mr Winstone who acquired the works for Mrs Van der Elst; letter to Messrs Evans, Baker and Co requesting removal of pictures by Alma Tadema and of the School of Rubens which were handed over with the Dujardin but not accepted by the Board, 13 Sep 1960; notes of telephone calls with Mr Fletcher re Mrs Van der Elst's pictures, 5 Jan and 10 Mar 1961