PRESS INFORMATION ________________________________________________

The 19th-century rooms at the National Gallery have now been rehung, following the exchange of paintings with the Tate Gallery. Over 50 19th-century paintings have come on loan to Trafalgar Square, while some fourteen early 20th-century works have moved to Mulbank. The exchange allows the National Gallery to present a richer, more diverse view of European painting in the second half of the 19th century than was possible before.

The newly arrived Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings have added to the representation of such major figures as Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Degas, Seurat, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Cezanne. Other less well-known artists, like Norbert Goeneutte, Max Liebermann and Vilhelm Hammersh~i, are represented for the first time. Three paintings by Pissarro from the 1880s, including the charming portrait of his son Felix Pissarro, bridge the gap between the National Gallery's four works by the artist from the 1 870s and the Boulevard Montmartre at Night of 1897. Seurat's Le Bec du Hoc now hangs alongside the Gallery's Bathers at Asnieres and The Channel at Gravelines, providing a remarkable overview of the artist's development, while the liffle Clothes on the Grass adds another to the Gallery's collection of Seurat oil studies. Two Gauguins, Harvest: Le Pouldu and Faa Iheihe, join the Gallery's still life, A Vase of Flowers, greatly extending the representation of the artist with a work from his Brittany period and a figure subject from Tahiti. Van Gogh's Farms near Auvers hangs beside the Gallery's four paintings by the artist, including Sunflowers and Van Gogh 'S Chair. The new picture is the latest in date, painted after Van Gogh moved north to Auvers and shortly before his death.

Of the paintings that comprise the loan from the Tate, over half have been incorporated in the main floor rooms while the remainder are on show in the study collection in Lower Floor A, which is open to the public.

Tel: 0171-747 2865 (General Enquiries)

FAMILY TREASURE HUNT QUIZ 26 July - 31 August

Pick up a free quiz from the Information Desks and track down the treasures stolen from National Gallery paintings by some wicked Tax Gatherers. This highly original educational activity will amuse all ages. Do it just for fun or enter the competition and maybe win a prize!

Bring a pencil. Free of charge. Supported by Terry Watkins Research

ON THE TRAIL OF TREASURE

Holiday Talks for Children

Every Monday to Friday from 28 July and throughout August at 1130am, meet in the Central Hall. These popular tours are aimed at children aged 5 - 11. Each week there will be a different theme (e.g. Goingfor Gold, Treasure Islands) and each one-hour tour will take a light-hearted look at about four paintings. Educational fun!

IT'S MAGIC!

Back by popular demand the Gallery's resident magician The Great Xar will repeat his smash hit show, which was staged at the National Gallery last Christmas. Laugh as his assistant munches his way through the delicacies in Mele'ndez's Still Life, Gasp as the wicked Tax Gatherers' money is spirited away before your eyes.

Free performances for children of all ages will take place from 19 - 30 August, Tuesday to Friday at 2pm and on Saturday at 12 noon.

Tickets will be available one hour before each performance from the Sainsbury Wing Foyer.

ADMISSION TO THE GALLERY AND ALL THESE EVENTS IS FREE

Public Enquiries For further details and information please contact. Tel: 0171-747 2512.

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