Acquisition file

Letter, dated 25 July 1967, from Sir John Witt to Julian Salmond explaining the significance of his Stubbs and the fact that it would be of interest to the National Gallery should the work ever come onto the market. Response from Julian Salmond stating that he will contact the National Gallery Trustees before any other body should he decide to sell the picture in future. Notes, dated 17 July 1975, from the reviewing committee on the export of works of art considering the Stubbs, which has been valued at £300,000 on the value licence application form. The committee decides that a period of four months will be allowed to enable a public collection of funds for the purchase of the Stubbs. Should the correct amount be raised for the picture an export licence will not be granted. This decision is explained in letters from the committee secretary, Mrs J. Priest, to Sir Norman Reid, director of the Tate Gallery and David Somerset of the Marlborough Gallery, the dealer who will be selling the Stubbs on Salmond's behalf. Letter from Michael Levey to David Somerset dated 13 August 1975 confirming that the National Gallery has purchased the Stubbs for £300,000. Letter to the Earl of Perth from Sir Norman Reid explaining the fact the the Tate has not acquired the picture and describing arrangements which saw both the Tate and National Gallery approach Salmond with a view to acquiring the work should he decide to sell it. Letter to the Pilgrim Trust from John Hale, Chairman of the Trustees, asking if the Trust would be able to offer any contribution towards the acquisition. Reply from Sir Edward Ford explaining that no more than £5000 could be offered by the Trust. Decision taken to not apply to the Trust and wait until a more urgent need has arisen before doing so in future. Press release announcing acquisition, 14 August 1975. Correspondence with Murray-Baillie of the National Register of Archives and Peter Walne, county archivist at Hertfordshire Record Office, concerning the possible identities of the individuals depicted in Stubbs' picture. Papers from the Finance department recording purchase.