Leeds passes on Grimshaw

John Atkinson Grimshaw is Leeds most famous painter. Now, Leeds City Art Gallery has refused to spend 350,000 on "Beeches" - on sale in a London gallery - even though it is on their acquisition list.
The religious parents of John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893) were against painting and once even destroyed his painting equipment. Nevertheless Grimshaw became a full-time, highly successful painter, famous for his night scenes.
Grimshaw would undoubtedly be highly peeved by the decision to turn down his work - he was one of the most active supporters of Leeds founding the City Gallery in the first place.
Irish Art