Row Sparked by a 1.5-Million-Pound Sculpture in UK PM Rishi Sunak's Garden

London:After the UK government spent GBP 1.3 million of taxpayer money to buy it and then send it on to the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's 10 Downing Street garden, the bronze sculpture by a renowned English artist has come under fire as "extravagant."

The abstract 1980 sculpture "Working Model for Seated Woman" by Henry Moore is thought to have been purchased by the taxpayer-funded Government Art Collection last month after reportedly being sold at a Christie's auction, according to The Sun newspaper.

At a time when the nation is grappling with high inflation, growing family expenses, and cost-cutting efforts throughout public finances, it has prompted a cost-of-living dispute.

An analyst told the newspaper, "It is a wonderful piece and an essential example of Moore's collection of seated women sculptures.

The expert added, "However, it may be viewed as an expensive use of public monies, particularly given the economic circumstances."

After the sculpture, which was partially covered, was spotted being wheeled into No. 10 on Thursday, Downing Street claimed that no politicians were involved in the choice to purchase the piece.

On Christie's website, it "conveys a powerful sensation of maternity and pregnancy."

The website further states that it praises "the soft watchfulness of the woman's face and her guarded position to the protective character of her arms and the architectural shelter she offers between her lap and shoulders."

Since the last 40 years, there has been a Moore artwork in the garden of 10 Downing Street. At the desire of the late sculptor's philanthropic organisation, the works are constantly swapped.

More than 14,000 of these priceless works of art are owned by the UK Government Art Collection and are located in Whitehall in London and other locations across the globe.

One of the most significant British artists of the 20th century and perhaps the most well-known sculptor of the time is Henry Spencer Moore, who passed away in 1986.

He is well known for the massive bronzes he created that are semi-abstract and may be seen everywhere, including India.