Greenwich National Maritime Museum £1.5m appeal to buy George Stubbs paintings

Sir David Attenborough has backed the planned purchase of 'Kongouro From New Holland' and 'Portrait of a Large Dog' - the first depictions in western art of a kangaroo and a dingo - which were completed after James Cook’s voyage to Australia

The museum has already been granted £3.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £200,000 from the Art Fund which will go towards acquiring the paintings and a public programme that will allow them to be seen in Greenwich.

Chairman of Royal Museums Greenwich Lord Sterling said "We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Art Fund have formally backed our bid to purchase the works with very generous grants totalling two-thirds of the required funds.

"This is a fabulous kick-start to our campaign. Royal Museums Greenwich has a once in a lifetime opportunity to complete the acquisition of these two remarkable paintings which will enhance immeasurably the Museum’s role in engaging audiences worldwide with the story of exploration."

Sir David said: "I had the privilege of working with the National Maritime Museum when it staged the exhibition of the paintings made on Cook’s second voyage and I greatly admired the way it cared for paintings and other artefacts.

"Its Cook collections, are, of course, of world importance and I have no doubt that these two Stubbs paintings should be placed among them."

Stubbs, the pre-eminent animal painter of his day and now regarded an 18th century master, was commissioned to paint the works by gentleman scientist Joseph Banks.

The paintings were first exhibited together in London in 1773 and have been in the UK ever since. They are deemed to hold such significance within British history and art that an export bar has been placed to save them for the nation.

Donations can be made by texting STUB35 to 70555, online via JustGiving or in person at the museum. They are on display at the Sammy Ofer Wing throughout the campaign.