Letter: Whose heritage?

Sir: Britain is losing art to wealthy foreigners; this is a "heritage crisis"? You list the heritage being lost: Rembrandt, Poussin, Fra Bartolomeo, Verrocchio (report, 1 December).

Our heritage? These works are only in our country because Britain was once wealthier than the "foreigners". The works form no more a part of British heritage than McDonalds, Coca-Cola and pizza. Why shouldn't they be bought by anyone who can afford them?

Why don't we sell the Elgin marbles to the highest bidder and invest the money in contemporary British art and music, building our own heritage for future generations to enjoy?

TONY FLANAGHAN

Salisbury