A stunning pastel by Edgar Degas and the historic desk used by Winston Churchill are among a treasure trove of culturally significant items, collectively valued at £59.7 million, that have been secured for the nation this year.
National Treasures Find New Homes
The items have been allocated to museums, galleries, libraries, and archives across the United Kingdom through two key Arts Council England initiatives: the Cultural Gifts Scheme (CGS) and the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) scheme. These programmes allow taxpayers to donate important objects to settle tax liabilities, ensuring priceless artefacts remain in public collections.
Among the most notable allocations is Danseuses roses by Edgar Degas. This vivid pastel, depicting four young ballet dancers at rest, has been allocated to the National Gallery in London. The work is celebrated for its intimate portrayal of working-class women, a recurring theme in Degas's exploration of Parisian life.
Meanwhile, a piece of political history has found a fitting home. The Regency mahogany standing desk used by both Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Benjamin Disraeli has been allocated to the National Trust's Hughenden Manor, Disraeli's former country residence. It is believed Churchill used this very desk while crafting his iconic wartime speeches.
From Bloomsbury to Becket's Murderers
The year's acquisitions showcase remarkable diversity. A still-life painting by Vanessa Bell, sister of Virginia Woolf, titled Vase, Flowers and Bowl, has been allocated to the Charleston Trust. This work represents a pivotal mid-point in Bell's artistic evolution.
In a significant move for photographic history, a collection of work by renowned photojournalist Bill Brandt, including annotated prints used for his publications, has been allocated to Tate.
Historical documents of profound importance have also been secured. The political archive of Lord Geoffrey Howe, a key minister under Margaret Thatcher, has been transferred to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford. Even more ancient are deeds related to the four knights who murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, offering a chilling insight into one of medieval history's most infamous acts. These have gone to the South West Heritage Trust in Taunton.
Schemes Vital for National Heritage
Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, hailed the schemes as "vital routes" to securing unique objects for future generations. He emphasised that the diverse items "will allow more communities to enjoy and better understand our shared cultural heritage."
Michael Clarke, Chair of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel, noted this has been the most prolific year for the scheme since 2020. He highlighted the emotional resonance of items like the portrait of Martha Swinburne by Pompeo Batoni, which will be reunited with that of her husband at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle, stating every allocation "contributes something new to our public collections and their audiences."
The successful application of these tax schemes ensures that objects of outstanding rarity, cultural value, and historical significance continue to enrich the UK's public collections, making them accessible for all to study and enjoy.
