PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. 1896. 5 WC +5 N273 NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY. THE National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856, in pur suance of a motion made by Earl Stanhope, P.S.A., in the House of Lords on the 4th of March 1856. His Lordship had previously addressed a letter, of which the following is a draft, to H.R.H. the Prince Consort, announcing his intention to invite public attention to the importance of forming a British Historical Portrait Gallery. "SIR, 66 It would be most especially gratifying to me if your Royal Highness should be inclined to feel any interest in the idea. "It seems to me that if a space were at once obtained, a yearly grant of 500l. in the estimates would suffice for purchases, and that the selection might be most properly confided to the present Fine Arts Commission, or any new commission over which your Royal Highness might be prevailed on to preside. "I am, &c." To this letter His Royal Highness was pleased to return the following answer, dated Buckingham Palace, the same day. "MY DEAR LOrd Stanhope, "I have to thank you for your letter, and can only say that your scheme has my entire concurrence, and that I shall be ready to give it any assistance that may be thought advisable. "B. P. 21, 1856. "Ever yours truly, (Signed) ALBERT." These letters, which were presented to the Gallery by Arthur, the present Earl Stanhope, in February 1879, have since been framed and, with Her Majesty's sanction, exhibited to the public in connexion with the portrait of the Prince Consort. i 86243. 5000.-7/96. Wt. 24790. A 2 |