Mervyn King given £10k portrait as retirement gift

Sir Mervyn King was handed roughly £13,000 of leaving presents, including a £10,000 portrait of himself, when he left the Bank of England in June.

The former Governor (pictured) was also presented with a £597 silver napkin ring and a £2,505 bust of the German thinker Johann von Goethe. The gift list was obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by MSN UK. The Bank of England said: “As with previous retiring governors, the Bank commissioned a portrait of Governor King, and presented him with a copy. This cost £10,000. “In addition, the Governor received a replica bust of Johann von Goethe. This cost £2,505. “These costs were met by the Bank, with the approval of the court of directors.” A £4,672 evening reception and...