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

Danseuses roses by Edgar Degas has been allocated to the National Gallery in London. Photograph: Arts Council England/The National Gallery, London

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.