News and Views from Scotland
Monarch of the Glen Painting Deal
Drinks giant Diageo have owned the iconic picture "Stag at Bay" painted by Sir Edwin Landseer in 1851 for many years, But the company had decided to auction the painting which has been on display in Edinburgh for 17 years while on loan to the National Museum of Scotland. Following public reaction to the feared loss of the painting to an overseas buyer with deep pockets (estimated value is £8 million but it might fetch far more) Diageo has agreed to gift £4 million to the National Gallery of Scotland and the hope is that the gallery can raise a further £4 million so that is can be in public hands for the first time.
Sir John Leighton, director general of the National Galleries of Scotland, welcomed the gesture by Diageo saying that it was "Admired by millions" and that the painting was an iconic image which is famous across the world. He said: "We are delighted with this grand gesture by Diageo which offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this major work to be acquired for the nation. David Cutter, Diageo's senior director in Scotland, said: "We are delighted to partner with the National Galleries of Scotland, to create the opportunity for The Monarch of the Glen to remain on public display in Scotland on a permanent basis. We look forward to working with the National Galleries of Scotland." The painting is instantly recognisable and in addition to the original work, it adorns many tins of shortbread and other Scottish-related products
Please give me whatever feedback comes to mind via david@rampantscotland.com.
David
November 2016Return to News and Views Index
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