Churchill’s desk and rare artwork among items donated to UK cultural institutions

Items worth 59.7m allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives as part of Arts Council England scheme

Winston Churchill and Benjamin Disraeli's desk, a painting by Vanessa Bell and a rare artwork by Edgar Degas are among the items of cultural importance saved for the nation this year.

The items, worth a total of 59.7m, will be allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives around the UK as part of Art Council England's cultural gifts and acceptance in lieu schemes.