Published:
16:02 February 15, 2022
Update:
17:34 February 15, 2022
A city’s 40-year-old public art collection has been sold to benefit good causes.
Some 37 paintings making up the permanent collection of the Great Yarmouth and District Society of Artists went under the hammer at Keys in Aylsham as there was nowhere to display them.
Margaret Carver (left), chair of the Great Yarmouth and District Society of Artists, presents Diana Staines, chief executive of Center 81, with a check for £5,200 to Yare House, which is being turned into a new center for charity members.
– Credit: Center 81
They raised £10,400 – a sum which was split between Center 81 and the Sandra Chapman Center at James Paget University Hospital.
“It’s a very happy ending for the collection,” said society president Margaret Carver. “These are two very good local causes and we are absolutely delighted to be able to support them in this way.”
Rowland Fisher’s boats sold for £350 at auction.
– Credit: GY and District Society of Artists
Part of the collection was on display at Gorleston Library for 15 years, but was removed when the library was refurbished.
Since then, all of the images – including works by renowned artists Campbell Mellon, Rowland Fisher and Geoffrey Chatten – have been loaned or put into storage.
This oil painting by Geoffrey Chatten fetched £860 at auction. The auctioneers, Keys, waived their commission so that every penny collected could be donated to good causes.
– Credit: Great Yarmouth and District Society of Artists
“It’s disappointing that there hasn’t been a place to display the collection permanently and that all this talent is tucked away in one store,” Ms Carver said. “We have made the difficult decision to sell the paintings so that they can be enjoyed by new owners.”
Artist Julian Macey, pictured aged 98, prepares for his first solo exhibition. Photo: Nick Butcher
– Credit: Nick Butcher
The permanent collection was started 40 years ago by Julian Macey to showcase the work of talented local artists, and most of the pieces were purchased from the artists by the company.
Diana Staines, Chief Executive of Center 81, said: ‘This is an extremely generous donation from the company and comes at a time when we are creating an incredible £1.5m facility for our skills centre. and activities and our community transportation service.
“Art plays a big part in the lives of many of our members with disabilities, who derive excitement and great pleasure from the creative process.
“It’s wonderful to know that the sale of decades of work by such incredibly talented local people will play a part in the future of Center 81.”
Winter at Ranworth by Colin Burns sold at auction for £580.
– Credit: Great Yarmouth and District Society of Artists
Maxine Taylor, Charity Coordinator at James Paget University Hospital, said: “We are extremely grateful for this fantastic donation from society which will be used to purchase two chemotherapy treatment chairs for the Sandra Chapman Centre.”
Peter Metcalf’s Cley Mill sold for £210 at auction.
– Credit: Great Yarmouth and District Society of Artists
Owen Waters’ Thurne Mouth sold for £340.
– Credit: Great Yarmouth and District Society of Artists
