HC Deb 19 January 1954 vol 522 c153W
Mr. Wyatt

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many pictures are listed in the inventory and catalogue of the National Gallery; how many of these pictures, excluding loans to the National Gallery, are exhibited in the National Gallery; how many are exhibited in provincial galleries and museums; how many are in store or in buildings other than galleries or museums; and how many rooms in the National Gallery suitable for exhibiting pictures are at present not being used for this purpose.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

At 1st January, 1954, the number of pictures in the National Gallery inventory (which includes the Tate Gallery pictures) was 6,203. After allowing for works in the keeping of the Tate Gallery, the number of National Gallery pictures was 1,882 and their location as follows:

At the National Gallery
On view 717
In the Reference Section (available on request) 866
Receiving treatment, etc. (temporarily inaccessible) 32
Elsewhere
On loan, through the Arts Council, to Provincial Galleries 168
On loan to National Museums and Galleries 61
In buildings other than Museums and Galleries 38

Ten rooms at the National Gallery which suffered war damage are not at present used for exhibiting pictures. One was totally destroyed; five are in process of restoration, and three, already restored, are closed while rebuilding work is in progress.

Mr. Wyatt

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for what amount the paintings in the National Gallery are insured.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The paintings are not insured, except when they are lent.

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