Acquisition file

Letter from Lord Derby to Lord Crawford, dated 1948, expressing his wish to give the National Gallery the opportunity of purchasing his Rembrandt should he decide to sell it in future. Correspondence between W. Evans (agent acting for the Derby estate) and Philip Hendy concerning the purchase of the Rembrandt. Evans also offers three other pictures from the Derby estate, these are not of interest to the Gallery however. Correspondence between Hendy and various Trustees regarding the price of the Rembrandt, which will be £170,000 including a £10,000 fee for Christies, who are to be handling the sale. Hendy provides a detailed report on the financial arrangements for the purchase for Lord Crawford, while thanking him for initially securing the picture in 1948. Memorandum and minor notes regarding the leaking of details of the purchase to the Daily Telegraph. Correspondence between Hendy and Sir William Emrys Williams of the National Art Collections Fund concerning the fund's agreement to provide £10,000 towards the cost of the picture. Letter from Hendy to Lord Derby dated 13 April 1964 thanking Derby for selling the Gallery his picture and stating that a cheque for £170,000 will be sent to Derby's agent as soon as possible. Correspondence between Hendy and Lord Kilmaine of the Pilgrim Trust regarding potential assistance with the Gallery's acquisition of the Rembrandt. Correspondence between Frank Brown and Gregory Martin (acting in the capacity of press officer) regarding arrangements for press releases and other media matters connected with the acquisition. Press releases and a sample invitation to a press view of the new acquisition are included.