A series of art works valued at £12m, including a painting by John Constable, have been saved for the nation, it was announced today.
The items include furniture and tapestries from a former home of Britain's first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole, which by themselves are valued at more than £9m.
The works have been accepted by the Government in lieu of tax and will be passed on to appropriate collections.
Arts minister Baroness Blackstone today announced the works were being accepted, as well as allocating several other items which had previously been saved.
Among the work accepted today is Constable's Harwich Lighthouse, worth about £840,000, from the early 19th century, with the wooden structure set against a dramatic skyscape. It is one of only a few of the artists' works which had remained in private hands.
Published Tuesday, February 19, 2002
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