Lionel Gerry, of Pooles Way, Burntwood, Staffordshire, writes:

I have recently been sent a clipping from your paper regarding Priest's House could be rebuilt, I must agree with the sender when they say it is a case that the district auditor should investigate as it most certainly is on par with the missing paintings from Forde House, to which I would also like answers.

My great grandfather Frederick William Gerry was a well known and respected councillor of Newton Abbot Urban District and also the proprietor of Gerry & Co, jewellers in Newton Abbot. it was upon his death that he bequeathed to the council in 1937 his large water colour picture Exmouth from Haldon by Wycliffe Egginton as the following extract from his will clearly states

'To the Urban District Council of Newton Abbot my large water colour picture Exmouth from Haldon by Wycliffe Egginton which at present hangs in my dining room on condition that the said Council provide a proper place in which to hang it. And I sincerely trust that the time will come when the said Council will provide a fit and proper place where such Works of Art with those already bequeathed to the Town can be properly displayed and the public enjoy them. And I direct my Trustees to provide and affix at the expense of my estate a plate to the said picture with an inscription giving my name as donor'.

Upon trying to trace this painting with the council they were helpful and informed me that a council employee was prosecuted for his part of an art theft. But they said the local police had no records available concerning this theft, and they were unable to give me any more information as to the whereabouts of this painting now.

If any of your readers can throw any light on this it would be much appreciated, as I would love to find and eventually see the picture that my great grandfather obviously held in such high esteem.THIS AND OTHER LETTERS ONLINE