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| The Reform Club |
Following on from the previous post, Gainsborough’s House in
Sudbury is another reason to love South Suffolk!
The museum is doing well at present, enjoying increased
visitor numbers and grant support. There is an exciting expansion scheme in
prospect which will take the scope of the museum to a completely different
level. These plans, while exciting in themselves, are
a vital step towards making the museum sustainable for the future. The aim must be to rely less on fundraising
and more on commercial activities, but in the meantime, and for some years yet,
the fundraising must go on!
Accordingly, on Thursday evening the Gainsborough’s House
Patrons held their Annual Dinner at the Reform Club in Pall Mall(where Phineas
Fogg made his bet that he could travel around the world in 80 days), and it was
in every respect a truly glittering occasion. We were addressed by the eminent
writer and art historian, Peyton Skipwith, there was an exciting fundraising
auction, and a good time was had by all.
The Friends and Patrons Groups are essential to the future
of the museum and the generosity of those who attended on Thursday is very
welcome. The financial environment for
arts organisations is always challenging, and particularly so now. For many years the museum has received much
appreciated support from Suffolk County Council, Sudbury Town Council and also
from Babergh. However, in the current
climate of austerity this can no longer taken for granted. Last week the
Independent reported the news that Lancashire County Council is to cut its
cultural budget by 90%. Two textile mill
museums, together with the Museum of Lancashire in Preston, the Judges’
lodgings in Lancaster and the Fleetwood Museum, will be closed. The impact of these closures on the local
economy will be very damaging.
Gainsborough’s House has never depended over-heavily on public
funds, but nonetheless the trustees are mindful of the need to boost income
from other sources. The support of
individuals is really important in this respect. This is not just because of the donations
received. Supporters, from Suffolk and
beyond, comprise a vibrant ‘Gainsborough’s House community’. They participate in
events, volunteer at the museum and help to build its unique spirit and reputation. The London dinner is just one small aspect of
this activity.
It is possible to support Gainsborough’s House at a number
of different levels. For more details
please contact the museum on 01787 372958, or call in at reception in Weaver’s
Lane
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| Exhibit from the current exhibition 'The Painting Room' at Gainsborough's House, featuring Sir Joshua Reynolds's easel. |
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