Oxford city council may sell its ‘inappropriate’ biblical paintings

Apr 2, 2023 by Jill

by Craig Simpson, Telegraph:

Councillor proposes motion saying town hall’s art does not reflect the authority’s ‘progressive’ agenda.

Oxford politicians may consider selling off classical and biblical paintings deemed inappropriate for a “progressive” council.

A canvas depicting a Roman myth could be removed from the city’s 120-year-old town hall because it shows “gender-based violence”, if a motion is agreed by local councillors.

Another painting of Salome bearing the head of John the Baptist could also be removed and sold off under the proposals to remove “inappropriate” artworks.

It has been suggested that money raised by the sale of these works could be used to buy new paintings to “rebalance the lack of diversity” in the city council’s art collection.

The motion states: “Within Oxford City Council’s art collection there are several items that are of no practical value to the city, do not have a clear link to Oxford, and depict themes that are inappropriate for a progressive public body that wants to lead by example: namely animal cruelty and gender-based violence.”

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