WIREDGOV

A major painting by Britain’s greatest and best-known landscape painter, John Constable R.A., has been accepted by the nation through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme, and permanently allocated to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

The painting, Willy Lott’s House from the Stour (The Valley Farm), features a cottage in the Stour Valley in Suffolk, where the artist spent his childhood years. This is the first finished work of Constable’s to enter the Ashmolean’s collection, and it will complement the museum’s existing holdings of four oil sketches by the artist.

The Acceptance in Lieu Panel, chaired by Edward Harley, advises ministers on the suitability of items offered in lieu. The acceptance of this painting settled £1,012,200 of Inheritance Tax.

Dr Alexander Sturgis, Director of the Ashmolean, said: 
‘It is a huge honour to receive this beautiful painting - the first finished work by Constable to come to the Ashmolean - in my first month as Director. The Museum is profoundly grateful to Arts Council England for its support. The painting is on display in the 19th Century Gallery where it can now be enjoyed by thousands of visitors in perpetuity.’

Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chair Arts Council England, said: 
‘This gorgeous oil painting, a different view of the famous Haywain, is a wonderful addition to the Ashmolean and joins their existing collection of Constable oil sketches. The Acceptance in Lieu scheme has once again delivered a really important acquisition for the nation.’

About the scheme

The Acceptance in Lieu scheme allows those who have an inheritance tax bill to pay for it by transferring important works of art and cultural objects to the nation. In the last two years this important government initiative has brought over £80 million of treasures into public ownership for the enjoyment of all. Find out more.