books
the national gallery a short history
charles saumarez smith was the director of the national gallery from 2002 to 2007 a period in which he oversaw the purchase of raphaels the madonna of the pinks for a record 22 million raised in part by his successful campaign for public contributions . his insiders perspective gives him invaluable insight into the challenges faced by his predecessors as they managed the gallerys collection from very modest origins to its status as a world class institution and major tourist destination . this literate yet movingly personal book reveals the contentious issues that surround the way a national collection is acquired preserved restored and displayed ; the complex competitive relationship between director trustees and government ; architectural and aesthetic controversies ; and the future of the gallery in an increasingly uncertain and overly commercialized art marketplace .
hardcover frances lincoln 2009 isbn13 9780711230439 isbn10 0711230439
abridged n isbn 13 9780711230439 number in series 1 number of pages 192 publisher frances lincoln release date 62135769600000