Canaletto Painting Hidden in Welsh Slate Mine During WWII
During the Second World War, Canaletto's painting, "The Stonemason's Yard," was hidden in a Welsh slate mine to protect it from potential damage. This safeguarding effort was part of a broader strategy to preserve national treasures by storing them in secure locations. The National Gallery in London was involved in this initiative, moving its valuable artworks to caves in the mountains of Wales.
Julia Hooper from Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, recalls visiting the National Gallery early in the war with her mother and sister. They saw the one painting left on display while the rest were stored safely. Additionally, Hooper attended a piano recital by Myra Hess at the gallery, where cultural activities continued despite the war.
This effort ensured that not all cultural artifacts were lost during the turbulent wartime period.