Art Fund receives Royal Patronage of His Majesty The King
Marking the first anniversary of the Coronation, The King has accepted this new patronage previously held by Queen Elizabeth II since 1952.
As an organisation established by Royal Charter in 1906, King Edward VII became the first Royal Patron of the charity, following a National Art Collections Fund (as it was then known) public campaign to buy Diego Velázquez’s The Rokeby Venus (1647-51) for the National Gallery. The painting is currently on display at the Walker Gallery in Liverpool as part of the National Gallery in London’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
As Royal Patron of Art Fund for seven decades, the late Queen supported key moments in the charity’s history, starting at a time when the UK and its museums were navigating the aftermath of the Second World War. In 2003, Her late Majesty attended the opening of Saved! 100 Years of the National Art Collections Fund at the Hayward Gallery in London, viewing highlights from among the many objects and works of art the charity has helped museums and galleries from across the UK acquire for their collections.
Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: "I am delighted and deeply honoured to welcome The King as our Royal Patron. At Art Fund we have been championing museums for 120 years and have been fortunate to enjoy Royal Patronage throughout that period.
"In 2008 His Royal Highness played a crucial role alongside Art Fund to save Dumfries House in Ayrshire for the nation. With His Majesty’s deep commitment to arts and heritage – including the generous loans of masterpieces from the Royal Collection to be enjoyed by museum visitors nationwide – he is an invaluable ambassador for the UK’s art and culture.
"We very much look forward to sharing our charitable activities and support for museums with His Majesty, made possible by the backing of our 135,000 members as well philanthropists, supporters and funders across the UK."