Sell Bacon ... but use the cash well!

then sell it. If the money goes to the right causes, then it will be worth it.

“It should go to human costs. Nine times out of ten it will end up putting new bulbs in lamp posts and fixing holes in the road. I am against that.

“Francis Bacon would be chuffed to think that his work could be valued at that price and was going to help people. Take it down to Sotheby’s. They will come from all over the world for it.”

Historian Malcolm Haigh, 80, has spent his life championing Batley. He firmly believes any funds made from the sale of the painting should be pumped back into Batley.

“If Kirklees Council does go ahead and sells it then it should be a point that whatever is raised is used in Batley for special projects and make sure that other places such as Oakwell Hall are maintained as public museums.

“We should not just allow the money to be added to Kirklees’ funds and disappear with no lasting benefit to the town,” he said.

He added: “I can see the reason behind it and that’s the sad part about that particular painting. If we cannot exhibit it in safe surroundings then maybe it would be right to sell it off.”

Huddersfield Art Gallery is the only secure space in Kirklees with the appropriate environmental conditions to be able to display the Bacon painting. However, it spends much of its time in storage or on loan to other galleries, though it is not thought that this raises any revenue towards its upkeep and associated insurance costs.

In 2011 a replica of the painting was hung in Batley Art Gallery. Windows – Sash, Sliding, Arch Windows, Bespoke, in a selection of colours Doors – Stable, Patio, French doors and more Bi-fold Doors – In Aluminium or UPVC Conservatories – Bespoke(UPVC service from design to installation Composite Doors – Choice of colours & design Garage Doors – Choice of colours inc match to composite doors