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WILTON, Conn., Dec 28, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The appreciating value of three Normal Rockwell paintings is funding a long-running legal battle in Connecticut among the heirs to the original owner.
Two of the three sons of Saturday Evening Post art director Kenneth Stuart have locked horns for the past 13 years with their brother, Ken Jr., whom they alleged conned their dying father into placing the paintings in a family trust that he controls.
The New York Times noted Thursday that the paintings -- "The Gossips," "Saying Grace" and "Walking to Church"- - are worth millions and becoming more valuable as times passes.
William and Jonathan Stuart won a court $2 million judgment against Ken Jr. in a lawsuit that contended Ken Jr. used the estate trust for personal expenses, the Times said.
Ken Jr., however, promptly filed for bankruptcy and foiled his brothers' ability to collect. The only way to get their money, he contends, is to sell the paintings, a move the younger siblings have resisted, the newspaper reported.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
