HC Deb 15 May 1912 vol 38 cc1122-3
Mr. GOLDMAN

asked what principles influence the trustees in granting the admission of portraits to the National Portrait Gallery; upon what grounds did they act in accepting the portrait of a lady by Signor Jean Boldini, now being exhibited on loan at the National Gallery; and, in view of the public dissatisfaction and adverse comment in the Press with regard to its inclusion in the National Gallery, whether the trustees contemplate removing the picture in question to the Victoria and Albert Museum or some equally suitable place of exhibition?

Mr. MASTERMAN

With regard to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Tottenham Division last Thursday and to the rules on page ix. of the National Portrait Gallery Catalogue. An exception was made when the picture by Signor Jean Boldini was offered to the Trustees in order that an interesting picture might not be lost to the nation. The picture has not been permanently included in the National Gallery collection. As the trustees of the National Portrait Gallery do not usually exhibit a portrait of any person deceased less than ten years, the picture has been temporarily lent by them to the trustees of the National Gallery. I understand that there is no other public gallery in London where the picture could conveniently be shown.

Mr. GOLDMAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the artist himself has expressed dissatisfaction with the picture, and said that the picture never would have been exhibited except in fulfilment of a promise made to the subject? And may I ask whether, in view of the adverse criticism passed by the public on the subject of the inclusion of this picture, and in view of the fact that the public are large contributors, will not the views of the public be considered?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have no knowledge of any such adverse criticism. If Members of the House have a strong opinion on the subject I shall be very glad to convey that opinion to the trustees of the Portrait Gallery or the National Gallery who are responsible.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he can devise means of housing and exhibiting, as is done in the Luxemburg Gallery in Paris, works of contemporary artists such as Boldini and Rodin?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think that is too large a question to answer now.

Mr. GOLDMAN

asked whether any public gallery exists in London for the admission of contemporary foreign art; and, if not, whether it is proposed to take any steps to provide such accommodation?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Contemporary foreign pictures can be exhibited at the National Gallery, and several pictures by living foreign artists have been shown there in recent years.