Yet in 1966, this modest work caused a scandal. A routine x-ray of the work had revealed a drawing of sections of the London Tube map under Constable's brushwork. Indeed the very painting's composition is based on it and is clearly visible on the horizon (Central Line), the double rainbow (Piccadilly and Northern Lines), and the foreground (Victoria and Northern Lines).
The work was quickly removed, and it was decided that its official copy was in fact the original. During World War II, the British Government had implemented a policy of making copies of all major works in the public collections, so that the copies could be safely kept on exhibition to maintain public morale, in spite of air-raids, while the real works were kept safely in Wales, and only changed back once peace was established. Many of the great war artists such as Spencer, Nash and Sutherland were involved in producing these copies (and the influence shows clearly in their post-war work). This particular work was copied by Oliver Monklay, already employed as a restorer at the Tate, but noted as a skilled copyist.
A interesting tale but original Constabel
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