A Henry Moore sculpture at the centre of an ownership row will stay at Yorkshire Sculpture Park until the matter is resolved.
A spokesman for YSP told the Chronicle the Draped Seated Woman bronze will remain on display in the park's grounds while a dispute continues between two London council's about who owns it.
The sculpture, which has been at the park for 15 years, was due to be auctioned in February by Tower Hamlets Council, and was expected to raise between £4m and £17m.
Tower Hamlets made the 'difficult decision' to sell off the piece, also known as 'Old Flo', to offset funding cuts.
But the sale has stalled when another London council, Bromley, claimed they owned it and held discussions with Art Fund (the national fund-raising charity for art) asserting ownership following 'significant new evidence'.
The leader of Bromley Council, Coun Stephen Carr, said the sculpture must remain in public ownership. He said Tower Hamlets Council's plan to sell it to tackle its financial situation was 'flawed' and Bromley Council has pledged not to sell the work and keep it on public display.
However, a statement released by Tower Hamlets Council said the ownership debate was an 'insult to the East End'.
It said Tower Hamlets Council had obtained 'firm legal opinion' clearly identifying the borough as the owner.
Its Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, said the ownership of 'Old Flo' is beyond doubt.
"If Bromley owned the sculpture why have they stayed silent for 27 years? This move is an insult to the East End as we need the sale proceeds to help alleviate the impact of government cuts."
Tower Hamlets said it may have to settle the matter in court 'using funds that would be better spent on purchasing art for the nation' and funding local services in both Bromley and Tower Hamlets.
The proposed sale has been met with opposition from arts organisations including the Museum of London, Tate, the Henry Moore Foundation as well as from film director Danny Boyle and Henry Moore's daughter Mary Moore.
© 2013 Barnsley Chronicle Ltd