'Masterpieces could be lost from Britain amid galleries' cash crisis'
Major works of art may go abroad instead of being saved for the nation as the recession hits museums and galleries, the Tories have warned.

By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Last Updated: 11:19PM GMT 02 Mar 2009

Dr Nicholas Penny, director of the National Gallery of London and John Leighton (R), director general of the National Galleries of Scotland attend an announcement on the acquisition of the Titian painting 'Diana and Actaeon' . Photo: Getty Images

National museums and galleries' spending on art for their collections have fallen by more than 70 per cent, the Conservatives said.

Figures obtained by, Jeremy Hunt, the Shadow Culture Secretary, show that spending on art and other "heritage items" by major galleries and museums has fallen by more than £11 million.

In 2006/07, institutions including the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and the British Museum spent £14.5 million on acquisitions. In 2008/09, it will be £3.4 million.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the National Gallery in London and the National Gallery of Scotland had managed to raise £50 million to purchase Diana and Actaeon by Titian from the Duke of Sutherland.

Mr Hunt said such deals are now much harder, and the Government should look at ways to allow museums to build up endowments to allow long-term funding.

He said: "We were lucky to be able to save the Titian, but may not be so lucky next time."

The recession is said to be hampering galleries' expansion hopes.

The Victoria & Albert is looking for £120million for the second phase of its "future plan" to expand its galleries while Tate Modern is trying to fund its £215m extension building.

But both are reported to be struggling to raise money.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport, said ministers are trying to help private benefactors support museums and galleries.

A spokeswoman said: "No Government could have provided the levels of funding which would have been required to enable public museums to compete in the international art market over recent years, but Government help through direct funding and tax breaks, supplemented by the generous support of private donors, will continue to ensure that the UK's outstanding and diverse national collections remain on display free to the public."