Papers associated with Sir Philip Hendy and Helmut Ruhemann

Scope and Content

Typescript paper titled 'Technical testing methods and Van Gogh falsification: Retrospections on the Wacker case'; extracts from National Gallery Annual Reports for 1960-62 and 1965-66 concerning the theft of Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington.

Administrative / Biographical History

Sir Philip Hendy (1900-1980) was Director of the National Gallery, 1946-1967. Hendy's tenure as Director coincided with the theft of Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington. For full biographical details of Hendy, see administrative history for NGA3.

Helmut Ruhemann (1891-1973) was a paintings conservator at the National Gallery. For full biographical details of Ruhemann, see administrative history for NG29.

Access Information

Open

Archivist's Note

Catalogued by Richard Wragg

Appraisal Information

Also donated was a copy of 'Manuel de la Conservation et de la Restauration des Peintures' (Paris, 1939), no author given, inscribed "London, April 1939, To Philip Hendy from his ever grateful, Helmut R". The book has been transferred to the Library collection.

Custodial History

Auctioned by Batemans in January 2013 "from the Estate of the Late Carlo Curley". Purchased by NeverSeen Books & Curios and subsequently sold to Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, for £75. Donated to the National Gallery by Nairne.

Accruals

No accruals are expected.