HC Deb 31 October 1949 vol 469 c1W
6. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Works why the Mantegna cartoons at Hampton Court are housed in the Lower Orangery where the reflections from the windows makes it impossible to see them; and why a charge is made for entering the building where they are hung.

Mr. Key

The Lower Orangery was the only accommodation in which the air conditioning necessary for the cartoons could be suitably installed. I agree that the existing lighting, coupled with the high wax polish given to the cartoons, causes an undesirable reflection, and the possibility of remedying this is being discussed with the Surveyor of The King's Pictures. The charge of 3d. goes towards the cost of the air conditioning system.