Borough Art Collection unveils its new treasures

7.51.20pm GMT Sat 27th Jan 2007

The pick of 66 works donated to the Borough Art Collection by generous residents in 2006 will feature in a new exhibition being launched at Orleans House Gallery on Saturday, 27 January.

The 'In Focus' display, which runs until May 6, will give visitors the chance to view the newest additions to the 2,400-piece collection. Among last year's bequests were 37 paintings from local artist John Meade. After his death in 2006 his son was keen for the collection of local views to remain together for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

Former Barnes resident Raymond Gill donated 18 pencil sketches produced by his artist uncle FC Gill in the 1920s and 1930s. He had already given 80 works in 2000 and 2001. At the start of the year Dennis Dracup lent four watercolours by his father to the collectors' exhibition and was so impressed seeing them on display and enjoyed by the public that he offered them to the borough.

Individual gifts include a 19th Century view of Chiswick by Calcott, a stunning watercolour of Twickenham Riverside by local artist Hugh Goldie and a detailed pencil drawing of St Anne's Church in Kew, by Roy Wright. The collection consists of works from the 18th Century to the present day that are on show in local buildings including the Old Town Hall, the Museum of Richmond and Marble Hill House and feature in temporary exhibitions.

Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for the Arts on Richmond Council, said: "Thanks to the generosity of residents, 2006 was an excellent year for the collection. The gifts and bequests have expanded the range of artists, subjects and periods it features, and greatly enhanced this important local treasure. The collection is strong on 18th and 19th Century views, making the addition of these new 20th Century and contemporary works particularly pleasing. After going on show in this special display, these works can be enjoyed by the community for many years to come."

To find out more about this or any other exhibition, or to discuss making a donation to the collection, please call gallery curator Mark de Novellis on 020 8831 6000 or email m.denovellis@richmond.gov.uk For further media information contact Cristian Marcucci on 020 8487 5049.