'Outstanding' art to be displayed

Gaugin's Bowl of Fruit and Tankard figures among the collection

A collection of important works by artists including Francis Bacon and Claude Monet are to go on display to the public for the first time.

The art was left to Tate Britain and the National Gallery by collector Simon Sainsbury, who died in 2006.

The 18 paintings will be displayed together at the Tate from Tuesday until October before becoming part of the galleries' permanent collections.

Gainsborough, Gaugin and Degas also feature among the bequest.

'Generous philanthropist'

Tate director Nicholas Serota called the collection "one of the most important gifts" in the history of the museum.

He added that the 13 artworks donated to the Tate would enhance their collection.

National Gallery director Nicholas Penny said their share of the Sainsbury gift would make "a huge difference" to its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries.

Mr Sainsbury took an active interest in the arts during his lifetime and was called a "generous philanthropist" by Mr Serota.

Mr Sainsbury, the great-grandson of the supermarket chain's founders, was involved in the construction of the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing in 1991.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version