The National Trust and the Art Fund Launch Appeal to Save Brueghel

SWINDON, England, October 1, 2010 - The National Trust and the Art Fund have launched a GBP2.7 million
fundraising campaign to save an iconic Old Master painting for the nation.

'The Procession to Calvary' by Pieter Brueghel the Younger is the star
attraction at Nostell Priory in Yorkshire, owned by the National Trust since
1954, where it has hung for over 200 years. Now, however, the painting, which
is still owned by Lord St Oswald, has been put up for sale, with the risk
that Nostell's greatest work will no longer be accessible to the public.

Completed in 1602, and amongst Brueghel the Younger's finest works, 'The
Procession to Calvary' shows Christ carrying the cross on the way to his
crucifixion. He is surrounded by over two hundred figures in a vibrant
narrative, set in a contemporary Flemish landscape.

The fundraising campaign has been given an initial major boost with a
GBP500,000 donation from the Art Fund, but it is hoped that the remaining
GBP2.2 million can be raised by Christmas to secure the painting's future.

Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, said: "One of the
unique aspects of Nostell Priory is that the majority of its historical
collections are intact and still in the setting for which they were acquired.
It is exceptional to find a painting by Pieter Brueghel the Younger in a
country house and especially one of such quality. To see it at Nostell -
where it has resided for over two centuries - is a very special experience.
We hope that the public will join with us and the Art Fund to raise the money
we need to ensure that the Brueghel stays at Nostell forever."

Stephen Deuchar, Director of the Art Fund, said: "We are delighted to be
partnering with the National Trust for this major appeal, and are pleased to
announce we are kick-starting the appeal with a GBP500,000 grant. Raising
money to save works of art sits at the heart of what the Art Fund is all
about and we very much urge all art lovers and those who have a fondness for
Nostell to donate to this campaign and ensure that this remarkable painting
remains where it belongs, for all to enjoy."

To enable as many people as possible to see 'The Procession to Calvary'
during the fundraising campaign, the painting will be displayed in London, at
the National Gallery from 5th October - 9th November 2010, and then at the
York Art Gallery from 18 November until Christmas.

The National Trust and the Art Fund are extremely grateful to both
Nicholas Penny, Director of the National Gallery, and Janet Barnes, CEO of
York Art Gallery, for their vital support during this campaign and in helping
the painting to be viewed and experienced by as many people as possible.

Dr Nicholas Penny, Director of the National Gallery, said: "The National
Gallery is pleased to support a campaign to secure great Old Master paintings
for the regions and, above all, for the historic houses for which they were
collected. We are delighted to be helping by displaying the work for six
weeks - enabling thousands of visitors to experience it at first hand."

About the National Trust:

The National Trust cares for 300 inspiring historic houses and gardens
across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. From former workers' cottages to
the most iconic stately homes, and from mines and mills to theatres and inns,
the stories of people and their heritage are at the heart of everything it
does. The National Trust also offers nature walks, (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-visits-walks/w-nature-biodiversity/w-wildlife_walks.htm)
downloadable cycle routes, (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-visits-cycling_days.htm)
places for camping, unusual wedding venues (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-holidays/w-camp.htm)
and farmers markets. (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-events/w-events-food_farming.htm)

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    For further press information and images, please contact:

    Mike Collins
    Senior Press Officer
    The National Trust
    Heelis
    Kemble Drive
    Swindon
    Wiltshire
    SN2 2NA
    +44(0)1793-817708
    www.nationaltrust.org.uk

For further press information and images, please contact: Mike Collins, Senior Press Officer, The National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2NA, +44(0)1793-817708