The National Heritage Memorial Fund made a major contribution to save Dumfries House in East Ayrshire. © Christie’s Images Ltd 2007
The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), ‘the fund of last resort’ for the nation’s heritage, is to keep its grant in aid at the current increased level of £10m per annum until 2011.
The news, announced by Culture Secretary James Purnell, comes as a result of the government’s recent Comprehensive Spending Review and means that that the NHMF will continue to play a key role in the preservation of the UK's cultural assets.
“This is extremely welcome news,” said NHMF Director Carole Souter. “The sector desperately needs this funding, particularly as demand for support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund continues to be so high.”
Since the beginning of this financial year, NHMF Trustees have already considered applications totalling more than £15million. Its annual government budget was doubled to £10million in April 2007.
The NHMF awarded a grant of £1.8m to the National Railway Museum in York, to help it acquire the Flying Scotsman. Photo David Prudames © 24 Hour Museum
The range of national treasures the fund has helped save recently includes: the Wilshere Collection of Late Roman gold glass and sculpture and Turner’s watercolour masterpiece, The Blue Rigi, which was saved by NHMF money and a high profile campaign organised by the Art Fund.
Another important acquisition was the Flying Scotsman, which was acquired by the National Railway Museum in York with the help of a NHMF £1.8m grant whilst the 18th century Dumfries House and its contents in Ayrshire were secured for the nation with the help of a £7m grant.
"The NHMF is an essential element in our heritage protection regime, making a fantastic contribution to so many cultural fund raising campaigns,” commented Culture Secretary James Purnell.
“Their experience and expertise in this field, together with the speed of their response when needed, has made them truly indispensable. This three year funding deal ensures that the fund will be able to continue being so.”
The Newark Torc acquired for £350,000, including a grant of £285,000 from the NHMF.
Founded in 1980, by Act of Parliament the NHMF funds emergency acquisitions in memory of those who gave their lives for the country and has played a key part in the UK's cultural life for over 27 years.
“From paintings to landscapes to tanks, the range of exceptional heritage NHMF can help save will remain a forceful tribute for many generations to come,” added Carole Souter.
Find out more about the NHMF at www.nhmf.org.uk.
