Nicholas Goodison

94 boxes, 7 volumes. This material has not been catalogued but a box list is available. (Ref NPG)

The archive comprises material created and collected by Sir Nicholas Goodison in relation to his lifelong interest in the visual and decorative arts, particularly in barometers and the study of the gilding technique ormolu. Goodison published on these subjects including, most notably, English Barometers 1680─1860 (1968, revised 1977) and Matthew Boulton: Ormolu in 2002 (1974, revised 2002). The archive contains related research material. It also contains material concerning Goodison’s work for the independent inquiry into ‘Saving Art for the Nation’. which culminated in the publication of ‘Goodison Review: Securing the Best for Our Museums: Private Giving and Government Support’ in 2004. The archive includes correspondence, photographs, articles, research notes and published books.

The centre also holds material from Goodison's library.

Sir Nicholas Goodison (1934─2021) was Chairman of the London Stock Exchange (1976─1986) and the banking group TSB (1989─1995). He collected and studied decorative arts for many years and published on the subject. He was president of the Furniture History Society between 1990─2002, and served as chairman of the Courtauld Institute of Art from 1982─2002 and the National Art Collections Fund (now the Art Fund) from 1986─2002. He was knighted in 1982.