§ Mr. BoothTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many of the finished pictures in the Turner bequest are now on public view in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Turner bequest of 1856 makes provision for the display of approximately 100 unspecified paintings in his possession at the time of his death. The bequest currently comprises around 30,000 items, as it now includes unfinished work and sketches. The bequest is under the supervision of the trustees of the national gallery and of the Tate gallery, which administer, The Clore gallery.
The national gallery has nine Turner paintings on display, its entire collection. The Clore gallery currently displays 160 oil paintings on its main floor, most of which are finished, and another 53 items in the reserve gallery, including studies and finished work. Other work is shown in rotation at the Clore. The Clore displays all finished works in its possession except for items on which conservation work is needed.