£2m for National Gallery makeover

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has praised the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation’s £2m donation to the National, calling it “inspirational” and hoping that “others would follow their example”. The gift will enable the Wilkins Building gallery spaces to be given an environmentally friendly makeover, using more efficient lighting. The work, when which will be completed over the next 18 months, will also cut costs. The Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nicholas Penny, said gifts from philanthropists such as the Hintzes play a “significant role in safeguarding the arts.” The National Gallery receives about three-quarters of its funds from philanthropists. Former City asset manager Michael Hintze highlighted the importance of private giving in difficult financial times. Room 8, which has already been refurbished, has been renamed ‘The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Room’, in recognition of their gift.