The ‘Art’ of fundraising - at The Cooper Gallery

Earlier this month The Cooper Gallery hosted a fundraising event to raise essential money to preserve and conserve key pieces from their outstanding art collection.

The evening was organised by The Cooper Trustees and hosted by the Bard of Barnsley – Ian McMillan and Pierre Maciag, from Wilbys Estate Agents. Almost fifty, highly sought after pieces of artwork including, paintings, sketches, sculptures, woodwork and jewellery, all donated by local artists, were auctioned off to help support the worthy cause.

World renowned comic book illustrator, Dean Ormston, whose work can currently be seen in the Gallery as part of their latest exhibition, KAPOW sold an original artwork at the event.

The evening was an overwhelming success, raising a total of over four and a half thousand pounds, which will allow two paintings from the Gallery’s collection to be restored.

Matt Gladstone, Executive Director for Place said:

We would like to thank the Cooper Trustees and all the local artists who donated pieces for their support. By organising and taking part in such a successful event, which has generated an incredible amount of money, they have enabled two stunning pieces of artwork to be restored.  The conserved work will be a real asset not only to the Gallery but also to visitors who can enjoy the paintings, which will shortly be on display. We are lucky to have such an outstanding art collection in Barnsley, that is much admired, and the Cooper Gallery is determined to showcase it for all to see.

Terry Brookes, Artist and Cooper Gallery Trustee said:

It was great to be involved in the auction, from the viewpoint of an organizer and donator. I would personally like to thank the Barnsley Council staff who helped, for their hard work in both helping organise the auction and the work involved on the night – they were amazing.