From the Art Newspaper, June 2007

Sir Oliver Millar died on 10 May, aged 84. One of the UK’s most respected art historians, Sir Oliver was the first full-time curator employed by the Royal Household, first as Assistant Surveyor of the Queen’s Pictures, then as Depity Surveyor and finally in the top job. He was also the first director of the Royal Collection from 1987 until his retirement in 1988. He joined the Royal staff from the Courtauld Institute in 1947 on the recommendation of Sir Anthony Blunt, at the time head of the Courtauld and Keeper of the King’s Pictures.

CODART members know Sir Oliver for his important publications on Rubens, van Dyck and Peter Lely as well as his catalogues of Dutch and Flemish paintings in the Royal Collection. When he was approached by CODART to accept associate membership, he accepted it gladly, although he was unable to participate in our activities. It was a source of moral support to list him as a member of our organization.