Surprise watercolors bequest to the Courtauld

A shy spinster who spent her life amassing an extraordinary collection of fine watercolours worth millions of pounds has bequeathed them to the nation.

Dorothy Scharf was so reticent that she relied on her mother, who lived next door, to communicate on her behalf.

The collection of paintings that she built up until her death two years ago has astonished the art world. Eight masterpieces by Turner, along with paintings by Gainsborough and Constable, are among 51 important watercolours that she has left to the world-renowned Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery in London. The donation is the most significant single addition to the Courtauld in more than a quarter of a century.

From the Times of London, with thanks to reader Adrian Tschoegl.

Posted by David on March 30, 2007 2:28 PM