Galleries snap up photo cash

THE photography collections of the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) are to be named after legendary photographer Robert Mapplethorpe after a donation was made in his name.

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation has given $300,000 (£191,000) to NGS as part of its mission to promote photography as the artistic equal of painting and sculpture.

John Leighton, NGS director general, said: “This extremely generous grant will help us to unlock the potential of these holdings and create new and engaging displays of international quality.”