Friends of York Art Gallery

History

On Wednesday, 4th March 1948 what is now the Friends of York Art Gallery was launched as the York Art Collection Society.  A two-fold aim was set of:

"creating a lively interest in all artistic matters and establishing a fund from which, from time to time, works of permanent value can be acquired for presentation to the Art Gallery." 

In April 1955 the name was changed to The Friends of York Art Gallery, and as such we have tried to fulfill the promise made in 1948.  Since its inception the Society has followed a programme of "occasional members' evenings, previews of exhibitions, concerts and social events."

Throughout the year trips are arranged for the Friends to visit galleries and exhibitions, both locally, further afield and occasionally abroad.  There is an Outings Secretary who holds the reins but the trips themselves are arranged by members of the Friends.

In 1975 the first series of guided tours took place; in 1981 for eight weeks these tours were run every weekday for eight weeks, something of a tall order!  Nowadays they take place every Wednesday at 12.30 p.m. from June to October, and on the first Wednesday in every month at 12.30 during the winter.  Speakers are drawn from volunteers among the Friends who are happy to talk informally for half-an-hour about a picture or pictures of their choice from the collection of paintings in the current exhibition.

The coming year, 2008, will be the Friends' Diamond Jubilee, when it is hoped that an extended programme of events will enable us to celebrate in style!