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The roots of Cheltenham Art Gallery date back to 1898 when the third Baron de Ferrieres, a former Mayor and MP for Cheltenham, gave 43 important paintings by Old Masters to the town. He also donated £1,000 towards the building of a gallery in which to display them. The collection gradually grew, with majority of artefacts given to the art gallery by the people of Cheltenham
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| Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum |
The 'Museum' part of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum opened in 1907. The museum was housed in four rooms above the library, where the School of Art had been. Initially visitors could enjoy displays of Natural History, Local Prints, Archaeology and Decorative Art. The museum was formally opened by Dr. Edward Wilson, the explorer, who with Captain Scott reached the South Pole, Baron de Ferrieres was also present.
Today Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum has an outstanding permanent collection including fine art, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, or local history, Gloucestershire archaeology and natural history. A major extension to the building was opened by The Princess Royal in September 1989, where the main entrance to the gallery is now situated.
A room is devoted to Edward Wilson, who was born in Cheltenham and who died in an expedition with Captain Scott. Cheltenham Art Gallery has also an excellent collection of exhibits from the 19th century Arts & Craft Movement with furniture, metalwork, jewellery, textiles, books and stained glass by the followers of William Morris, many of whom lived and worked in Gloucestershire. Another part of the gallery displays tells the story of Cheltenham - prints of old Cheltenham can be seen as well as one of the original Montpellier caryatids from the 1840s, high-quality products of its woodcarvers and metalworkers, such as William Letheren and H H Martyn & Co. during the late 19th and 20th centuries. There is also a programme of changing exhibitions, which showcase all different aspects of art.
Museum shop offers a wide range of publications, postcards and souvenirs. Cafe Museum situated within the building opens 10.00 -16.30 Monday - Saturday. The admission to the gallery is free and there are also many free art events organised for the public by the gallery.
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