Note left inside National Gallery column reveals funder's joy at removal

Builders knocking down a columnat the National Gallery in London were surprised to find a note amid the rubble thanking them for demolishing the "unnecessary" pillar.

- Sammy Gecsoyler

While removing the column in the gallery's Sainsbury Wing, workers discovered a letter dating back to 1990 from its funder, John Sainsbury, the former chairman of the eponymous supermarket chain, that said he was "absolutely delighted" that the pillar was being removed.

The letter, which was wrapped in a plastic folder, was found buried inside the column. Sainsbury gained access to the wing while it was under construction and dropped his scathing letter into the concrete column while it was being built.

It was discovered last year while the foyer of the wing was being reconfigured.

The pillar was included in plans drawn up by the American post-Modernist architect Robert Venturi and his professional partner and wife, Denise Scott Brown.