AN 18th century masterpiece by a Leigh-born artist goes under the hammer at Christies on November 30.

The estimated price for Royal Academian Joseph Farington's oil on canvas is £20,000-£30,000.

Born in 1747, the son of the Vicar of Leigh, Farington was working when George III was on the throne, and during the time of the French Revolution.

Long forgotten locally, he mixed with royalty and high society, and married a relative of PM Horace Walpole.

Wouldn't it be great if the work could be brought back to the town?

Unfortunately, Wigan Council won't be bidding for it for us. There's no money in the coffers for such things -- even though councillors can vote themselves hefty nine per cent rises in allowances from next May.

Surely it would be a great investment for the town. It was first sold in 1939 at Christies for £50 and again in 1997 for more than £26,000.

Surely some local company or business could put their hand in their pocket. I know I would if I had the cash.

The only problem is that the subject matter of the painting, exhibited in the Royal Academy, in 1791 doesn't relate to the area -- it's entitled The Gatehouse On the Bridge Over the River Severn at Bridgnorth, Shropshire. But it's a cracker, I'd love it.

If anyone fancies a bid, its in the auction's British Pictures 1500-1850 section and is lot 36.