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The watercolour by arguably Britain's greatest artist is to be auctioned by Sothebys on July 9 with an estimate of £150,000-£200,000.

The council would like to acquire it for the city and is seeking help to raise the money.

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Turner expert David Hill, professor of the history of art at Leeds University, says because of the subject and the artist's close connections with Leeds there is an overwhelming case for the city to buy the work.

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Professor Hill, whose latest book – Turner and Leeds: Image of Industry – has been published for Leeds Museums and Galleries, said: "It's the only Leeds Turner still in private hands and it could be bought by another museum or another country.

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"This chance may never come around again."

Prof Hill added it was an asset that would appreciate in value and on the estimated price he said: "It won't seem such a lot in 20 years time."

Turner, born in 1775, first came to Leeds when he was 22, and his association with the city lasted nearly 30 years.

He had friends and patrons in Yorkshire and made annual visits during which his work captured scenes in many areas including Kirkstall, Wharfedale, Airedale and the Harewood and Farnley estates.

He produced the picture of Gledhow Hall in 1816, having been commissioned by John Dixon, owner of the mansion.

The Gledhow Hall estate was bought from Elizabeth I by John Thwaites.
Over the years the house – now converted to flats – was home to many famous Leeds families including the Becketts, Benyons and Kitsons.

James Kitson, the first Lord Mayor of Leeds, installed the hall's impressive Burmantofts faience tile bathroom for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1885.

Professor Hill said the Gledhow Hall watercolour could be classed as one of a pair, the other being a view of Leeds from Beeston Hill showing the city's emerging industry and now owned by Yale University.

Coun John Procter, the council's executive member for Leisure, said: "We would dearly love to bring the Turner back to Leeds. Currently we are exploring all funding avenues in order to make this exciting prospect a reality.

"However, the guide price is a challenging one to raise from external sources in the current economic climate.

"We would be extremely interested to hear from any benefactors who could help the city with our bid."