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Scots secure Titian with £10m grant
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent15 Dec 2008
A PROMISE of £10million from the Scottish government could secure the fate of the Titian masterpiece Diana and Actaeon.
Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, is said to be preparing to brave political fall-out and pledge cash that could prove vital to saving the work.
The pledge would come just after Scottish Nationalists called for more support from Westminster for schools and hospitals. But without the money the core of the National Galleries of Scotland Old Master collection will be put in jeopardy. The Duke of Sutherland, who owns the Titian and 27 other works on loan to the galleries, will guarantee to continue the loan only if this Titian is bought.
The Scottish galleries have joined forces with the National Gallery in London to raise the £50million needed to buy the Titian. Donations have poured in and if the campaign is successful, the painting will be shared by the institutions.
A source close to the campaign said: "It isn't a done deal yet. There's quite a lot to be worked out. £10 million is definitely in discussion from Scotland."
Reader views (5)
How much are we charging the Duke for keeping his painting safe for the past 30 odd years. Nice to have an expense free asset and then keep all the capital accumulation.
- Lindiwe, kent, 15/12/2008 20:04
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What a waste of money considering we are in recession, and if the scotts bought it, it means the English paid a fair wedge of that money
- P I Staker, London, 15/12/2008 18:52
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Hello--the country is going broke and they are dishing out 10 Million BP for a painting? Wake up Folks
- Bernard, London, 15/12/2008 12:36
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Hello? What?! 'The Scottish Government' . . . ?? What are the lot in West Minster, then - or am I asking too many West Lothian Questions?
It's great that they've saved this painting, but if I'm not mistaken: they, AND the National Gallery, saved it for the people of BRITAIN.
- Roz, Chamonix, France, 15/12/2008 11:55
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While I would like the works to stay in the UK, given the overall state of public finances, this is not a good use of tax payers money and could be used better elsewhere.
- Jeremy E, London, 15/12/2008 11:34
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