The Most Important Painting in the Land

Having already admitted today that I am a philistine as far as the visual arts are concerned perhaps my reaction to this will come as no surprise:

Britain is facing the loss of a painting of supreme importance to its heritage, one of Britain’s most eminent arts figures said yesterday.

Sir Hugh Leggatt, the former Museums and Galleries Commissioner, called on the Prime Minister to save the Rubens masterpiece from being sold to an overseas collector for tens of millions of pounds, after the death of its British owner this month.
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Sir Hugh said: “This painting must never leave these shores under any circumstances. It is vital to our nation as the most important painting in the land.

“Gordon Brown should see that the funds are available. He can do it through the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Government should get to grips with the situation. We might have to have a flaming row with the Government if they don’t come up with money. Unless they do, people from overseas will put in a huge bid for it. It must be saved.”

Tell you what Sir Hugh. If you can come up with a reasonable reason why the rest of us should cough up £50 million or more for your pleasures then we'll have a listen.

It's only a pound a head for the adult population, after all: you should be able to get that by public subscription. If, that is, we who are being asked to pay for it actually agree that this is a vital part of British heritage.

No? Not willing to put it to the test? You would rather a cosy deal with those who control what has already been forcibly taken from us?

Odd really, as one part of the British heritage is that we rather admire those who have the courage of their convictions.