Pieter Brueghel the Younger Paintings

Community leader issues ‘hands off our Brueghels’ warning

An Arbroath community leader how he managed to do the works. has voiced her concerns that if the Every time I go I tend to see town’s valuable Brueghel the something different. Younger paintings are sold they “They are there in the library for would never see the light of day anyone in Arbroath to go and see. again. Maybe there aren’t millions of

Patricia Millar, former chairwoman people in Arbroath who are art of the Royal Burgh of lovers but I am sure there are a Arbroath Community Council, number of people who enjoy a spoke of her love for the artworks. good painting.”

The two 400-year-old works by Mr Lawrie’s call has been the Flemish artist are valued at supported by Carnoustie more than £2 million each. councillor Brian Boyd.

Monifieth and Sidlaw councillor But Mrs Millar, who describes Ben Lawrie has called for herself as a “Red Lichtie born and councillors to debate their sale to bred”, said she did not agree that fund vital services. politicians from outside the town

Mrs Millar said: “These should decide their fate. paintings were gifted to the citizens She said: “I think it’s wrong that of Arbroath in perpetuity for their someone can say ‘OK, we’ll take enjoyment. Arbroath’s paintings and sell

“I know there are people who them’. may say they are fusty old paintings “I agree that times are tough but and what’s the point but over the once you sell the family silver you years I have gone to the library a ain’t got nothing left. number of times and stood in front “We shouldn’t be so quick to of the Brueghels. sell off our heritage. The people

“I really enjoy looking at these I have spoken with in the town paintings. I marvel at the artist and agree – hands off our Brueghels.”