Churchill's desk and rare artwork among items donated to UK cultural institutions

"The Regency mahogany standing desk used by Churchill and Disraeli during their times as prime minister has been allocated to the National Trust's Hughenden Manor, Disraeli's former country house. Churchill is thought to have used the desk when working on wartime speeches, and it is visible in photographs from 1943 of Churchill's bedroom in the Downing Street annexe. The Regency mahogany standing desk used by Churchill and Disraeli during their times as prime minister has been allocated to the National Trust's Hughenden Manor, Disraeli's former country house. Photograph: Courtesy of Cochrane Adams Fine Art Agents"

"The still life painting by Bell sister of the writer Virginia Woolf is called Vase, Flowers and Bowl, and has been allocated to the Charleston Trust for display at Charleston House, Firle. The painting marks a mid-point between Bell's earlier abstract works and her later more realistic style. Danseuses roses, a vivid pastel by Degas that shows four young dancers at rest, has been allocated to the National Gallery in London."

Cultural items valued at 59.7m have been secured for the nation through Art Council England’s cultural gifts and acceptance in lieu schemes. The items will be allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives across the UK. Selections were made for outstanding rarity, cultural value, technical skill, and for the historical insights they provide into prominent national figures. The Regency mahogany standing desk used by Churchill and Disraeli has been allocated to the National Trust's Hughenden Manor. Vanessa Bell’s Vase, Flowers and Bowl will be displayed at Charleston House, Firle. Degas’s Danseuses roses has been allocated to the National Gallery. The cultural gifts scheme enables taxpayers to donate objects in return for tax reductions.

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