National Trust
The Trust was founded in 1895 by three eminent Victorian philanthropists the most famous being Octavia Hill, (1838-1912) a social reformer of the period. Since its foundation, the Trust has gradually expanded its collection of art, mostly through the acquisition of properties. In 1995 an exhibition 'In Trust for the Nation', displayed important pieces in the collection and was held at the National Gallery in London. There are currently more than 12,000 paintings housed at over 350 properties throughout the United Kingdom. There are nearly 4 million members and the properties attract 17 million visitors a year.
The National Trust for Scotland, founded in 1931, is a separate entity working along similar lines. It cares for one of Scotland's finest art collections encompassing fifty houses, castles and other buildings.
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