Reference code
RAA/SEC/11/74/3
Title
Norman Reid, 50 Brabourne Rise, Beckenham, Kent, to Hugh Casson
Date
30 Apr 1983
Level
Item
Extent & medium
2 pieces
Content Description
Ian Stephenson has told him that there is a belief that he operated against the interests of the Academy when Director of the Tate. He denies this. Before he took over as Director in 1964 the Chantrey recommending committee had fallen utterly under the control of Tate representatives, causing ill-feeling. He returned power to the Academy as a goodwill gesture. He is aghast that some regarded his action as a devious way to allow Tate to refuse acqusitions. He thinks the likelihood of an ex-Tate Director becoming an Academicians the "needle's eye" of the art world.