Acquisition file

Letter to Charles Holroyd from H. Cook, dated 26 May 1909, listing pictures of note from the Morrison collection including the Rembrandt. Letter to Simon Morrison from the Gallery, dated 29 Sep 1952, explaining that Morrison's Rembrandt portrait and Steen picture would be of interest to the Gallery should he consider selling the works in future. Second letter on the same subject dated 22 June 1967; both letters receive replies stating that the Gallery would be the first to be contacted in the event of a future sale. Letter from Norton, Rose, Botterell & Roche (solicitors) dated 11 January 1974 making initial suggestions for the purchase of the Rembrandt, emphasising that the value of the picture on the open market and the price that the National Gallery would be able to pay need to be established, together with the likely value of the picture after the payment of estate duty and capital gains tax. 75% of estate duty and capital gains tax will be deducted should the picture be sold to the National Gallery. Further correspondence discussing these points, together with the appointment of Christopher White from the Paul Mellon Centre as an independent valuer for the picture. Letter dated 1 March 1974 from White to Nicholas Rowntree of Norton, Rose, Botterell & Roche (solicitors) giving the Rembrandt a value of £600,000. Arrangements for the Rembrandt to be sent to the National Gallery for 48 hours so it can be photographed. Letter from Michael Levey to Nicholas Rowntree, dated 14 Jan 1975, stating that the Gallery's purchase grant for 1975 should mean that a firm offer can be made for the picture. Correspondence relating to taxation complications connected with the picture, which arise from the fact that the picture is part of a trust which gives a life interest to successive generations. The surrendering of this life interest when the picture is sold to the Gallery complicates the question of the amounts of tax that are potentially due to be paid. Letter from Rowntree dated 13 Aug 1975 officially offering the picture for sale to the Gallery for £315,000 subject to the method of sale not having adverse Capital Transfer tax implications. The Gallery agrees to this offer. Discussion relating to the payment of stamp duty ensues. Correspondence with the National Art Collections Fund concerning a potential donation towards the purchase. NACF is able to donate £10,000 towards the acquisition. Stamped copies of the Dent-Brocklehurst deed relating to the sale of the Rembrandt. Papers from the Finance department recording purchase.