A hidden note from the 1990s was discovered by demolition crew at London’s National Gallery this week. The note, left by John Sainsbury, a British businessman and politician who funded the construction of a new wing at the gallery, thanked the builders for demolishing an “unnecessary” pillar that he had criticized during its construction in the 1990s. Sainsbury, who passed away in 2022, expressed his dislike for the false columns that were added purely for aesthetic purposes and hid his letter inside one of them. His widow, Anya Linden, was present when the note was found and expressed her happiness that it was rediscovered. The National Gallery has saved the letter as a historical document in its archive. The Sainsbury Wing, designed by American architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, was a significant addition to the gallery when it opened in 1991, providing extra space for its extensive collection of art from the 13th to 19th century. The discovery of Sainsbury’s note adds an interesting historical twist to the gallery’s rich history and highlights the importance of architectural decisions in prestigious cultural institutions.
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