Ex-Guardian chief's bid to buy picture of murdered model

The painting of Eileen Henry is being auctioned by Mallams in Oxford

The former editor of The Guardian Alan Rusbridger wants to raise £8,000 in 24 hours to keep a painting at an Oxford college.

The portrait is of Eileen Henry, an Irish model who was murdered by the artist John Currie in 1914.

It has been at Lady Margaret Hall, of which Mr Rusbridger is principal, but is being sold by its owner on Friday.

Writing on a crowdfunding page, Mr Rusbridger said the painting was a way "to reflect on sexual violence".

He wants to keep it at Lady Margaret Hall which was the first college in Oxford to admit women when it was founded in 1878.

Mr Rusbridger said Currie and Ms Henry were in a relationship but that he abused the model.

She then ran away before Currie stalked her to her new address, spent the night with her, and shot her.

He then shot himself and died from his wounds three days later.

The painting is to be auctioned, with an estimate of £3,000 - £5,000, in Oxford.