Campaign to save Brueghel makes a procession to York

Yet that's exactly what the Art Fund has done and the response to its appeal to prevent Pieter Brueghel the Younger's 1602 painting The Procession to Calvary from disappearing from public view is proof that even those with tightened belts know a good cause when they see one.

The masterpiece has been hanging in Nostell Priory, near Wakefield, for more than 200 years, but its future recently fell into doubt when the family who own it announced they wanted to sell.

With fears the auction might result in the painting being bought by a private investor or gallery, the National Trust, which owns the Priory, called in the help of the Art Fund and a mammoth fundraising campaign was launched.

The aim was to raise 2.7m before Christmas and with still more than a month to go, there is already an impressive 900,000 in the coffers.

"The response we have received to keep the Brueghel at Nostell Priory has been phenomenal," says the trust's Fiona Reynolds. "One of its unique aspects is that the majority of the historical collections are intact and still in the setting for which they are acquired.

"Raising money to save works of art sits at the heart of what the Art Fund is all about and we urge art lovers and all those with a fondness for Nostell to donate to this campaign and ensure that this remarkable painting remains where it belongs for all to enjoy."

As part of the appeal and to raise awareness of the masterpiece in danger of disappearing from view, the painting has been on a grand tour.

Almost half a million people visited the National Gallery in London during the five weeks the work was on display and art lovers in Yorkshire will now get the chance to see Brueghel's brushstrokes up close at York Art Gallery.

Depicting Christ carrying the cross to the crucifixion, the work is considered to be even better quality than another painting in the series which sold for 5.1m in 2006.

"We are delighted to be able to support this appeal and showcase this fantastic painting to our visitors," says James Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust.

"It is a marvellous work, the star attraction at Nostell Priory.

"We are hoping that by showing it here we can help raise awareness of the fund's work and secure this piece for Yorkshire, so that it can be enjoyed for years to come."

The Procession to Calvary will be on display in York until Christmas, but a special viewing will take place on December 2, with 100 tickets reserved exclusively for Yorkshire Post readers.

The event will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and affords the chance to see the remarkable work up close with expert analysis from National Trust curators.

Tickets can be bought via www.yorkshirepost.eventbrite.com at 15, with all proceeds going to the fundraising campaign.

Those wishing to donate separately can do so via

www.artfund.org/procession, by phone on 0844 415 4004 or by sending cheques made payable to theArt Fund to The Art Fund, Freepost SN 1457, Halifax Road, Melksham, SN12 7BR.