Although the V&A holds the world's third-largest collection of oil paintings, some 2000, only 170 are actually on display. The solution? Leasing.
Feeling it is indefensible to hold pictures in store, Director Mark Jones has revealed plans to put a proposal to his trustees next year for leasing out to public companies or private individuals any pictures not required for display (they are currently stored somewhere in Olympia). The leasing would probably be on a renewable basis, and the money raised would be used for further acquisitions.
Jones isn't the first to strike upon the idea. Pots by Grayson Perry, a portrait of Diana princess of Wales by Stella Vine, the set of "I've Got it All" photographs by Tracy Emin - all are apparently up for renting from millionaire art collector Charles Saatchi.
Saatchi has set up a scheme to rent artwork from his collection to rich individuals and businesses, publishing a catalogue of 600 pieces for hire. To loan five works for a year would set you back £7000, to hire twenty for a year, £20 000. Saatchi is also set to open a new gallery next year in a former barracks in Chelsea.
Leasing will likely prove a good arbiter of an epoch's taste. What would you salvage from the back cupboards of the V&A?
