Image: Crates of paintings being stored in Manod Quarry, Wales. (Photo by Fred Ramage/Keystone Features/Getty Images)
How a Canaletto painting found refuge in Wales
The National Library of Wales welcomes back Canaletto’s masterpiece 'The Stonemason’s Yard' after having taken refuge there over 80 years ago.
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About
In late August 1939, the National Gallery found itself at the centre of a city expecting widespread bombing during the Second World War. The National Gallery made the decision to remove all of its paintings from the premises during the 10 days that preceded the declaration of war on 3 September 1939. But where should they go?
In 1940, there were discussions about shipping the collection to Canada. However, Winston Churchill instructed our then Director Kenneth Clark to 'hide them in caves and cellars, but not a single picture shall leave this island.'
A large, secure location was required to house the collection. A disused slate mine near Blaenau Ffestiniog at Manod in Wales fitted the bill perfectly.
The works were transported along the winding roads and little bridges, into North Wales. Canaletto's 'The Stonemason's Yard' was one of the paintings stored in Manod.
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Inspection of 'Saint George and the Dragon' by Tintoretto. Canaletto's 'The Stonemason's Yard' is shown to the right. (Photo by Fred Ramage/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Canaletto, Venice: Campo S. Vidal and Santa Maria della Carità ('The Stonemason's Yard'), about 1725
Canaletto's 'Venice: The Feast Day of Saint Roch' is taken out of storage for routine inspection at Manod Quarry (Photo by Fred Ramage/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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This partnership between the National Gallery and the National Library of Wales began during the Second World War and continues today as the Library welcomes back Canaletto’s masterpiece to Wales after taking refuge there over 80 years ago.
The Library's Idyll and Industry exhibition displays Welsh landscapes from the National Art Collection and explore the artistic and thematic connections between 'The Stonemason's Yard' and the scenery of Wales.
With the support of Getty for providing archival imagery.
National Treasures
The Stonemason's Yard is currently on loan to The National Library of Wales
To celebrate our Bicentenary, 12 paintings from the collection are being lent to 12 venues across the UK in 2024.
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