2021-08-09T13:58:00Z
The extravagance was revealed as millions of low-income families brace themselves for Rishi Sunak’s £20-a-week cut to Universal Credit and after the Government imposed a real-terms pay cut for teachers and police officers last month.
Accounts show £70,200 was spent on a painting by Belfast-born artist Cathy Wilkes, 54. The untitled 24in by 28in work is egg tempera on linen.
A second piece, costing £18,775 from photographer, video and installation artist Willie Doherty, has also gone on display.
It is a set of four black-and-white photographs called Ashen, Restless, which show vegetation and their shadows on a grey concrete background.
£70,200 was spent on this untitled painting by 54-year-old Belfast-born artist Cathy Wilkes
Downing Street was unable to say how much public cash was spent on the art but insisted the “majority” came from donors.
Labour MP Neil Coyle said of the Prime Minister: “His selfishness and desire for luxuries for himself whilst cutting support and income for others is a sign of the sickness at the heart of his Government.”
The £18,775 artwork by photographer, video and installation artist Willie Doherty
It comes after a row over the luxurious redecoration of Mr Johnson’s private flat in Downing Street, which he shares with his wife Carrie, baby Wilfred and dog Dilyn.
BJ loves spending other people’s money … 
