By James Toseland
Staff at Falmouth Art Gallery are “delighted” after it acquired a major masterpiece by a famed British portrait painter. The government has allowed the gallery to permanently house the portrait by Thomas Gainsborough, the first of his works to be on public display in Cornwall. The staff put together a detailed application to the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) making a special case why the portrait of Rev Isaac Donnithorne should have its home at the gallery. An expert panel recommended to the government that the picture be allocated to Falmouth, after it was recognised as being of major international importance and accepted in lieu of inheritance tax. Gallery curator Brian Stewart said: “This is a fantastic addition to our collection and will attract visitors to the town from worldwide. The staff put a lot of work into making the application and we are delighted to have been successful.” www.falmouthpacket.co.uk |
