Page 581 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

monarch supporting the charity across multiple decades. The new King will
now take up the position, which mirrors his keen passion for both arts and
heritage.

“I am delighted and deeply honoured to welcome The King as our Royal
Patron,” said Art Fund director, Jenny Waldman. “At Art Fund we have
been championing museums for 120 years and have been fortunate to
enjoy Royal Patronage throughout that period.

“In 2008 His Royal Highness played a crucial role alongside Art Fund to
save Dumfries House in Ayrshire for the nation. With His Majesty’s deep
commitment to arts and heritage – including the generous loans of
masterpieces from the Royal Collection to be enjoyed by museum visitors
nationwide – he is an invaluable ambassador for the UK’s art and culture.

“We very much look forward to sharing our charitable activities and support
for museums with His Majesty, made possible by the backing of our
135,000 members as well philanthropists, supporters and funders across
the UK.”

The patronage dates back to the Art Fund’s establishment by the Royal
Charter in 1906. King Edward VII was its first patron and took up the
position following a campaign to buy an artwork - Diego Velázquez’s The
Rokeby Venus - for London’s National Gallery.

Showing his enthusiastic commitment to the UK’s arts and culture, King
Charles has also become patron of the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal
Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Orchestra and Choir, the Royal Northern
College of Music, the Royal Ballet, the Royal Shakespeare Company and
the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla has
taken up patronage of the Royal Academy of Dance and the Royal Literary
Fund.