What's happened
A letter from John Sainsbury, hidden in a column of the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, was discovered during demolition. In it, he expressed delight at the removal of the 'unnecessary' columns, which he criticized during the wing's construction in 1991. The redevelopment project aims to enhance the gallery's facilities.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, John Sainsbury's letter was a 'thank you' to demolition workers for removing the 'unnecessary' columns, expressing his delight at their removal. The New York Times noted that Sainsbury's criticism of the columns was a long-standing grievance, and his widow, Anya, was present during the letter's discovery, expressing happiness for its rediscovery. Sky News highlighted that the letter was found during a £85 million renovation project, with Sainsbury's family being the largest donor. Metro emphasized the irony of Sainsbury's hidden message being revealed only after his death, while also noting the mixed critical reception of the original design.
How we got here
John Sainsbury, a major donor to the National Gallery, expressed his disdain for the false columns in the Sainsbury Wing, which opened in 1991. His letter, hidden during construction, was discovered during recent renovations aimed at improving the gallery's layout and visitor experience.
Common question
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What Changes Are Being Made to the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing?
The Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery is undergoing significant renovations aimed at enhancing visitor experience and addressing long-standing architectural concerns. A recently discovered letter from John Sainsbury sheds light on the motivations behind these changes, revealing his thoughts on the original design. This page explores the details of the renovation, its implications for the gallery's future, and the historical context surrounding these developments.
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Stay updated with the latest news that matters. From political events to crime stories and cultural developments, discover the key headlines shaping our world today. Here are some of the most pressing issues and events currently making waves in the news cycle.
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What was discovered in the Sainsbury Wing during renovation?
The recent renovation of the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery has unveiled a hidden letter from John Sainsbury, shedding light on his long-standing criticism of the wing's design. This discovery raises questions about the historical significance of the renovation and its impact on the gallery's future.
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What was discovered in the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery?
A fascinating historical find has emerged from the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. During recent renovations, a letter from John Sainsbury was uncovered, shedding light on his thoughts about the gallery's design. This discovery raises questions about the significance of historical artifacts in art galleries and what other treasures might be hidden in plain sight.
More on these topics
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John Davan Sainsbury, Baron Sainsbury of Preston Candover, KG was a British businessman and politician. He served as the President of Sainsbury's, and sat in the House of Lords as a life peer and member of the Conservative Party.
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Robert Charles Venturi Jr. was an American architect, founding principal of the firm Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, and one of the major architectural figures of the twentieth century.