British universities buy world-famous paintings

According to the BBC, well-known universities in England have spent 20 million pounds over the past five years on decorating their premises with famous works of art.Which British universities are among the top connoisseurs of art? According to the BBC, prominent universities in England have spent £ 20 million over the past five years decorating their premises with famous works of art. Which British universities are among the top connoisseurs of art?

The cost of University paintings for 2010-2015

• University of Oxford £ 8.9m

• University of Cambridge £ 5.8m

• Durham University £ 2.6m

Critics point out that university spending on paintings is more than necessary, and that funds could have been spent more wisely, for example, by raising the salaries of some employees who barely exceed the subsistence level.It is said that universities today care more about "form than content."

The most expensive purchase was the University of Oxford, which acquired the work "On the Balcony" by the French impressionist E. Manet totaling 7.9 million pounds.

In turn, representatives of educational institutions say that paintings of this level help to foster true feelings of beauty and inspire young students - artists. Moreover, universities regularly organize free excursions for students and tourists, in which they introduce visitors to the paintings and teach them how to enjoy the art.