Sale of historic portrait blocked

Published on Thursday 24 April 2008 22:25

A BLOCK has been put on the export of a portrait of a Scottish mariner who pioneered safe shipping routes across the world.

Margaret Hodge, the UK Culture Minister, has delayed for up to five months the removal of the "rare likeness" of Alexander Dalrymple, the first Hydrographer to the Admiralty and a "remarkable 18th-century public servant", in the hope that it can be saved for the nation.

About 150,000 is needed to purchase the painting, by the Edinburgh artist John Thomas Seton. He painted Dalrymple, who became first Hydrographer to the Admiralty in 1795, 30 years earlier during a rare visit by the subject to his family home, Newhailes, near Edinburgh.

A mariner and chartmaker, Dalrymple compiled more than 1,000 nautical charts mapping many of Britain's trade routes for the first time, invented the concept of the Admiralty Chart and made an enormous contribution to the safety of shipping.

Mrs Hodge's ruling follows a recommendation by a panel of advisers. It said the loss of the portrait – the only likeness of Dalrymple in the UK – would be a "misfortune" as it is closely connected with British history.

Lord Inglewood, chairman of the committee, said: "Although relatively unknown today, Alexander Dalrymple, through his pioneering work on nautical charts, is a pivotal figure in the development of the global maritime industry as well as of the British Empire".

A decision on the export will be made by 23 June – but that could be extended until 23 September if offers emerge.