Neil MacLaren papers

Research notes and indexes, largely related to Spanish, Dutch and Flemish paintings but not limited to the collection of the National Gallery.

Neil MacLaren (1909 - 1988) was appointed Assistant Keeper at the National Gallery in 1934, responsible for the Spanish, Dutch and Flemish schools. He helped to supervise the evacuation of paintings during the Second World War and had responsibility for the National Gallery building. In 1952, his Spanish School catalogue was published, followed by his Dutch School catalogue (two volumes) in 1958 and 1960. MacLaren resigned from the National Gallery in 1961 and took up a post at Sotheby's as Assistant Director and chief advisor on Spanish paintings.

The papers, along with some printed items, were transferred to the Archive at an unknown date. Some manuscript material associated with MacLaren was presented to the archive by John Somerville, circa 1989, this is noted for specific catalogue entries where relevant. It is unclear whether the remainder of the material arrived via the same source and at the same time. It is likely that the manuscripts originally came from the office or working collection of MacLaren. The printed items have been transferred to the Library collection.

Printed items annotated by MacLaren are held by the National Gallery Library.