Builders renovating National Gallery find funder’s letter commending demolition

John Sainsbury hid note in 1990 inside false column he objected to, anticipating foyer would one day be remodelled to his liking

Builders knocking down a column at the National Gallery were surprised to find a long-lost note amid the rubble thanking them for demolishing the unnecessary" pillar.

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