FALMOUTH Art Gallery with the assistance of Packet Newspapers has mounted a campaign to house in Cornwall a nationally acknowledged masterpiece.

The work, entitled Study of a Head, was painted in 1933 by Ben Nicholson and is a tender love portrait of Barbara Hepworth and Nicholson at the beginning of their relationship. The style was influenced by Picasso, whom Nicholson visited in Paris that year.

The work has been recognised as of national importance by The Acceptance in Lieu Panel run by the MLA on behalf of the Secretary of State. The scheme allows for works of special art-historical importance to be accepted by the Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax duties.

Falmouth is making a special case for the work to be housed in the gallery.

Brian Stewart, gallery curator said: "I feel we have an excellent case to house this painting in Falmouth. We were recently given a very fine collection of work by Harry Ousey, who was a friend of Nicholson and Hepworth, as well as works by Roland Penrose and Lee Miller. We also have the support of the community, Falmouth University College, Packet Newspapers, the Lee Miller Archive and the Roland Penrose Estate. We hope to hear shortly the result of our bid."