A donor has donated a six-figure sum to cover the costs of a new gallery in Worcester.

Martin Cook's substantial donation will fund a gallery celebrating Worcester's role in the international gloving trade at the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

This follows another major donation by Professor Rolf Olsen in 2022.

 

 

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In addition to financing the new gallery, Mr Cook's donation will also finance an internship programme to support young people seeking a career in museums.

The two donations will enable the refurbishment of the first-floor galleries at the museum.

The new additions will shine a light on Worcester's past as an international centre for design education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Furthermore, they will exhibit esteemed artists such as John Singer Sargent, Paul Nash, and Laura Knight, who worked in the region.

The new Shirley and Rolf Olsen Gallery will be at the heart of the revamp.

It will feature a permanent display of works by British impressionist artists.

The display will also outline the former role of Worcester in the gloving trade.

Examples from the manufacturing process will join beautiful gloves by acclaimed fashion designers such as Manolo Blahnik.

An annual art competition is also planned to support emerging artists.

Mr Cook said: "I'm keen to play a part in Worcester's cultural development and Professor Olsen's ambitions struck a chord with me.

"My wish is to support the development of the Art Gallery & Museum, celebrate the rich heritage of the city I grew up in and build on Professor Olsen’s legacy."

Caroline Naisbitt, chair of the Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums charity, said: "We are extremely grateful to Martin for his very generous donation.

"This is precisely what Rolf had hoped for, that his donation would encourage others to come forward to support the Art Gallery and its collections, and in doing so reflect the aims of the charity of promoting opportunities for education and inclusion."

Those inspired by the acts of Mr Cook and Professor Olsen to donate are urged to contact Philippa Tinsley, head of Museums Worcestershire, by calling 01905 25371 or emailing philippa.tinsley@worcester.gov.uk.