Norman Rockwell's sons seek to halt museum sale of father's work

October 21, 2017 12:00 am • Last Updated: October 21, 2017 1:23 am

In this July 12, 2017, file photo, a pedestrian walks past the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Mass. The museum announced earlier in the month that it planned to sell 40 works of art, including two by Normal Rockwell. Rockwell's three sons are among the plaintiffs who filed a complaint Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, in Berkshire Superior Court, seeking to halt a the museum's plans to sell the artwork. (Ben Garver/The Berkshire Eagle via AP, File)

BOSTON (AP) — Norman Rockwell's three sons are among the plaintiffs who have filed a court complaint seeking to halt to a Massachusetts museum's plans to sell 40 works of art, including two by their famous father.

The complaint filed Friday seeking a temporary restraining order alleges the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield contracted with Sotheby's for a public auction of the works before it announced its plans to the public, acting in breach of its fiduciary duties and trust, and without legal authority to sell the art.

The museum says the sale is necessary to maintain its long-term financial viability as it refocuses its mission on science and history. Proceeds will be used for an endowment and to fund renovations.

A spokeswoman for the Berkshire Museum did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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