Adventures Abroad

Thank you for posting the very interesting report on your day trip to Kings College. I am distantly related to Alfred Allnatt and am providing the following additional information.

Alfred E. Allnatt (1889 - 1969) was known professionally as Major A.E. Allnatt. He took over his father's supply business and developed it into Allnatt London Properties and other businesses. Alfred purchased Ruben's famous 1634 painting "The Adoration of the Magi" for a record 275,000 pds in 1959 from the estate of the Duke of Westminster. The painting was subsequently transferred by Deed of Gift to King's College in November 1961 and placed on permanent display at King's College. The painting was estimated to be worth US$2,400,000 in 1974, when it was damaged by vandals who scratched "IRA" in two foot high letters across the front.

  Ron Merritt Aug 3, 2008 9:31 AM

Hi Ron
Thank you so much for that interesting, additional information. It is beyond belief that anyone would disfigure such a work of art, in such a way.

With kind regards

Sandra

  Sandra Redfern Aug 3, 2008 4:33 PM

In order to accomodate this painting,the beautiful former sanctuary of the Chapel was utterly destroyed.
The beautiful high altar,the three steps leading up to it,and the fine wooden communion rail were removed.Only the communion rail survives.;it now resides on either side of the sanctuary.
I notice that there are now steps leading up to the altar,but these are not the steps that were removed.
I wonder who made the disastrous decision to destroy a gorgeous sanctuary in order to display a painting.
I am sure there were other places to display it in the Chapel or in the College.

  james fenstemaker Sep 20, 2013 9:06 AM