Jimmy Savile artwork will be used in student debate

South Staffordshire College has been slammed for displaying artwork of the serial pervert, which has since been taken down.

The college's chief executive principal Graham Morley today said the comments on social media websites had been 'overwhelmingly supportive' of the painting.

And he added that the controversy created would be discussed between tutors and students.

See also: Jimmy Savile knight-mare as paedophile is subject of artwork

Mr Morley said: "Art is a largely subjective matter and whilst even the remotest possibility exists of offence or upset being caused, we need to balance freedom of expression with common sense precautions.

"It would be a great pity if the intentions of the artist or the college were misrepresented but I feel this was the only decision I could take in the interests of all our learners.

"We shall now use the debate that the work has stimulated to engage our senior level learners with some of the key issues relating to artistic freedom and the creative process in the context of a society that is both free and accountable.

"The work is intended entirely as an ironic and negative depiction of Savile, highlighting his ability to manipulate the media and create a false character masquerading in the armour of the people's champion."

Lichfield District Councillor Eric Drinkwater reacted angrily to the fact that the artwork had been put up in the first place.

He said today: "In view of that man's history I think putting the painting up was disgraceful – how can you call that art? Quite frankly, it's offensive. We're not talking about someone's rights here, this man was a real pervert. It beggars belief that something like that would be displayed.

"If any of the relatives of those he interfered with saw that painting, how on earth would they feel? I think it's sick."

The controversial artwork was put up two months ago. It shows Savile in an heroic pose in front of the BBC's headquarters, smirking and dressed in a suit of armour with a trademark cigar hanging from his mouth.

Hannah Mattison, a 24-year-old cleaner who no longer works at the college, put in a complaint about the painting which was up at the School of Art, Design and Media facility.

One-time national hero Savile was exposed as the UK's most prolific sexual predator after his death in 2011 aged 84.