He said: “What on earth would Gainsborough think if such an eyesore was
running through an area that he obviously so wonderful that he should paint
it?

“This is a unique heritage site that shows the amazing work of one of the UK’s
greatest ever landscape artists.

“This is an area of true inspiration and natural beauty.

“This for us is an example of just how important local knowledge is to the
value of the landscape.

“The plans that National Grid are proposing are an unnecessary travesty.”

National Grid currently run a 400,000 volt line running from Bramford, near
Ipswich to Twinstead, Essex, alongside a 132,000 volt line.

They are planning to knock down the existing 132,000 volt line and replace it
with much larger pylons creating another 400,000 volt line.

They are currently in the second stage of consultations to decide on the
precise route of the line.

The proposed route is one of four options currently being considered by
planners at Essex County Council.

Local historian Barry Wall discovered the proposed route covers Gainsborough’s
1748 idyllic scene when he was contacted by environmental consultants
working for National Grid.

He said: “It would be a great loss to our cultural heritage if these plans go
ahead.

“This landscape has been identified as one which Gainsborough painted while in
situ and not in the studio and you can clearly identify the church at Henny.

“There is even an oak tree, which was little when Gainsborough painted it and
which is now fully grown.

“I think it is absolutely shocking if this view had a row of pylons visible
behind the church.”