Debate over sale of city's art

Fri Sep 4 2009 06:57 BST

The Council's proposal to sell two works of art from the city's collection, which is one of the finest outside London, to help fund a new "heritage museum" initially dedicated to the Titanic, is generating a lively debate about the value of arts and heritage in Southampton.

A curatorial review of the collection has been undertaken with the support of external art experts. The candidate works for disposal are: Munnings's 1937 work 'After the Race' (valued at around Ł4m) and 'Eve' by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin (worth about Ł1.5m).

The council says any sale would follow the legal requirements and processes and stringent professional and ethical guidelines set out by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Museums Association. However some fear the move could set a precedent for other local authorities in UK. The money raised by the sale should contribute towards a new Ł15m Sea City Museum. This will include an expansion of the art gallery and a Titanic exhibition.

"There is ... disbelief that the work — Munnings is considered one of the greatest painters of horses — will be sold to pay for a themed visitor attraction. Some critics argue that, as the Titanic sailed from Southampton only once, the city has a tenuous connection with the ship." - Independent

Despite the importance of the new cultural development of the city centre that is designed to attract visitors to the city, many are objecting the City Council decision, because they feel it will impoverish the collection and the precious heritage of the city.

A campaign — Save Our Collection — has been launched on the south coast to try to prevent the sale. The organisers explain that: “These works do not belong to city councillors; they belong to the people of Southampton and are part of our city’s heritage. Any sale of art-works will put the gallery’s national recognition at risk, and will deter benefactors and art foundations from donating work in future.”

To sign the petition http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/save-our-collection.html

"The biggest myth being pedalled about the art gallery at the moment is that the vast majority of the collection sits unseen in a vault" Les Buckingham, 'Save Our Collection' Facebook Group

A petition can also be signed at the Peter Rhodes Books coffee shop on Portswood Broadway (Lodge Road end).

On September 16 Save Our Collection presents their petition to the City Council. The meeting starts at 2.00pm. Three people will be allowed to take part in the formal deputation - but the group is calling for supporters to attend in the public gallery to create a strong presence for the presentation of the petition. They are also encouraging people to assemble outside the Civic Centre from approximately 1.15pm with banners etc.

Facebook Group: search for 'Save Our Collection' where there's lots more information and discussion.

Media coverage about the debate:

Cllr Hannides Audio - hear the Conservative council's Culture & Leisure spokesman Cllr Hannides debate the issue with Charles Saumarez Smith, chief executive of the Royal Academy on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme