Photo: Jean Abercromby, Mrs Morison of Haddo, c. 1767. Allan Ramsay (1713-1784). Courtesy of York Museums Trust.

A stunning portrait by Scottish artist Allan Ramsay (1713-1784) has been acquired by York Museums Trust and is set to be unveiled to the public at York Art Gallery on October 11.

Costing £625,000, the 18th century work, entitled Jean Abercromby, Mrs Morison of Haddo, was last seen in public in 1911 and had only been exhibited once before that, in 1909.

Now, thanks to grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Art Collections Fund and Friends of York Art Gallery, it will join the permanent collection at the institution.

Caroline Worthington, Curator at York Art Gallery explained why the portrait makes such a significant contribution to the collection.

"This is one of Ramsay’s finest paintings and brilliantly exemplifies his mature style," she said. "Perhaps the most prominent feature of the portrait is the costume, including a beautiful lace shawl and necklace."

One of the major figures in the history of British painting and arguably, the most important artist in 18th century Scotland, Allan Ramsay’s portraits of women are widely considered as masterpieces.

Probably dating from the time of her wedding to Captain George Morison of Haddo in 1767, York Art Gallery’s newest exhibit depicts the daughter of General Abercromby of Glassaugh.

The painting was purchased earlier this year and has undergone a process of delicate conservation by York Museums Trust conservators Mark Roberts and Mike Howdon.

While the surface of the work has been relined and re-varnished, its frame, which dates back to 1909 when the sitters name was misspelled as Mrs Morrison, has been restored.

On display until January 18, 2004, a special exhibition to celebrate the painting's arrival will include items from York Castle Museum’s costume and textile collection. Also on show will be The Billet Doux, a painting by Ramsay’s contemporary Francoise Boucher and on loan from the National Gallery.

"The HLF is proud to have been able to help the gallery acquire and conserve this wonderful painting, and to now see it go on display after being hidden away for so many years," added Ian Carstairs, Chair of the HLF Committee for Yorks and the Humber.

"I’m sure that it will prove a major draw for visitors to the gallery where it will complement the rest of the collection and play a major role in the programme of events and activities."