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Old Masters collection to stay in Scotland
02/02/2009
The greatest private collection of Old Master paintings on loan to any gallery in the world is to stay in Scotland.
The Scottish Government today confirmed its contribution to the purchase of Titian's Diana and Actaeon which has also secured the wider Bridgewater Collection until at least 2030.
In line with plans to boost tourism revenue through the Year of Homecoming, the Scottish Government has confirmed £12.5 million towards the acquisition out of a total £50 million. This commitment has allowed the purchase agreement for Diana and Actaeon to be signed.
Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani highlighted the global importance of the Titian masterpiece and the acclaimed Bridgewater Collection and how today's news will boost interest in Scotland's Year of Homecoming. There are significant educational, economic and tourism benefits to be harnessed from this investment with over 1.5 million visitors viewing the paintings each year at the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS).
Ms Fabiani said:
"I am delighted to announce that this world-class collection has been saved for Scotland, underlining the prestige of our National Galleries and offering real educational and economic benefits for years to come.
"At this time of global economic downturn all funding decisions must offer real value for money and a strong return on investment. Our contribution has not only secured the Titian painting permanently for the National Galleries of Scotland, but just as importantly ensures continuing public access to a collection worth hundreds of millions of pounds for the next 21 years.
"This is a significant investment in Scotland's future securing a collection worth many millions of pounds at a fraction of the market cost. Over 1.5 million people visited the Bridgewater Collection last year, with two thirds of those being visitors to Edinburgh. The collection is a significant tourist draw with a half day visit to the National Galleries equating to an estimated annual £27 million tourist spend, with the indirect economic impact of this rising to an estimated £50 million a year.
"Boosting Scotland's tourism is central to the Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Programme. As we approach the Year of Homecoming in 2009 this world-renowned collection will help to maximise tourism revenue and celebrate Scotland's culture and international prestige.
"The Bridgewater Collection also represents significant educational opportunities allowing the National Galleries to teach with the most famous artists in art history: Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt, Poussin for example. This collection is a vital source of artistic excellence and inspiration for research, scholarship and the creative industries.
"From the beginning we have supported this campaign, making a significant funding pledge to the National Galleries of Scotland which kicked off its fundraising campaign and generated millions of pounds in donations. Many ordinary people have donated from their savings to help keep the Collection in Scotland and the campaign has seen extraordinary results in just a few short months.
"The international interest and support generated around this campaign offers a golden opportunity for our National Galleries to raise its profile and show the world that Scotland will continue to punch well above its weight in cultural excellence."
In addition to the Scottish government contributiuon, the National Galleries of Scotland has pledged 4.6 million from its resources and the National Gallery in London has also pledged £12.5 million from its reserves. Donations from the public have reached an impressive £9.4 million in only three months. Previously announced support of £10 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and £1 million from the Art Fund form part of the package to secure the painting.
The £50 million fundraising campaign to purchase Titian's Diana and Actaeon and secure the Bridgewater Collection for 21 years is comprised of the following contributions:
- Scottish Government - £12.5 million
- National Gallery London (supported by UK Government) - £12.5 million
- National Heritage Memorial Fund - £10 million
- National Galleries of Scotland - £4.6 million
- Monument Trust - £2 million
- Public donations - £7.4 million
- Art Fund - £1 million
The Scottish Government's contribution will be met from within budgets for the Culture portfolio, staged over the three financial years until 2010-11.
The purchase of Titian's Diana and Actaeon enables this painting to continue to be on public display. The painting will be shared by the National Galleries of Scotland and National Gallery, London and will be displayed for 5 years at each institution in turn. The rest of the Bridgewater Collection will remain on loan to the National Galleries of Scotland for the next 21 years.
Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, Homecoming is the biggest ever celebration of Scotland's achievements and culture and our ties of family and friendship around the world. Events across the country will pick up the thread from St Andrew's Day to celebrate some of Scotland's great contributions to the world: Burns himself, whisky, golf, great Scottish minds and innovations and Scotland's rich culture and heritage.
Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland John Leighton said:
"We are absolutely thrilled that one of the most important paintings in the world will be added to the national collections for the enjoyment and inspiration of the public and we are delighted that the world-famous Bridgewater Collection will continue to be available on long loan to Scotland. We are hugely grateful to all the individuals and all the funding bodies who responded so warmly and wholeheartedly to this campaign over the past four months."
Chairperson of Lloyds TSB Scotland Susan Rice said:
"This is wonderful news. Sensible investment in the quality of our national collections not only brings important educational and cultural opportunities but has significant economic benefits - encouraging tourism and enhancing our image abroad. The world-class reputation of our national galleries and museums is a vital part of our image and also helps to make Scotland more attractive for entrepreneurs and senior executives."
VisitScotland Chief Executive Philip Riddle said:
"Securing this renowned collection for Scotland is an important signal to the rest of the world on the excellence of our cultural collections. The National Galleries of Scotland receive 1.5 million visitors a year, with 66 per cent of those coming from the rest of the UK and overseas. This is undoubtedly an added draw during this year of Homecoming as we welcome tourists to Scotland and work to increase tourism revenue."
Artist Alison Watt said:
"One of the extraordinary consequences of being involved in the campaign to save Diana and Actaeon for the nation, is that I've found myself falling in love with the painting all over again. And now with such overwhelming support, Diana and Actaeon will remain on public view and will continue to inspire us and make us think differently about the world. We've invested in our future."
Tracy Emin said:
"Fantastic that even in such difficult times Britain can stand high in regard to culture. The Titians are here to stay, not just for me and you, but for ever for the future."
John Bellany said:
"I am so delighted that this great, great masterpiece has been secured. It will inspire the nation and people will come from all over the world to see it."
Michael Craig-Martin said:
"Not only is Titian's Diana and Actaeon one of the world's great paintings, but for many years it has been a key work on permanent free public display at the National Gallery of Scotland. To have lost this painting would have diminished that whole collection. Now that it will be shared between Scotland and the National Gallery in London, the painting will be available to an even larger audience. This has clearly been a situation where the statement 'saved for the Nation' can be seen to mean precisely it says."
Antony Gormley said:
"This is great news for Britain and for art. These sumptuous late great works of Titian bring joy and pleasure to all."
Tom Phillips said: "So glad Titian has triumphed over crunch and squeeze."
Richard Hamilton said: "Dear Diana, it is nice to know that you are safe and well. See you soon.
Best." - Richard Hamilton
Howard Hodgkin said: "Great news. It is wonderful that such an extraordinary painting has been saved to inspire us all."
Professor Ian Howard, Principal of Edinburgh College of Art, said:
"On behalf of Edinburgh College of Art, I'm delighted that we have been successful in the campaign to save Titian's Diana and Actaeon. It represents an invaluable part of our cultural heritage and a great source of inspiration to art students now and those of future generations."