The fantastic selection of over 80 works of art in Rye Art Gallery’s charity auction, taking place at the Mermaid on 28 May at 5.30pm, can now be viewed online and at the Mermaid on Thursday 28 May from 2pm.
Paintings, prints and posters, ceramics and sculpture and photographs have been kindly donated with all proceeds going to the restoration of the gallery with essential building repairs, upgrading storage and archive spaces, and conservation of the ever-growing permanent collection. The auction includes work by Keith Purser, Clare Mitchell, Mick Rooney RA, Robert Greenhalf, Karl Terry, Jacqueline Stanley, David Tindle, Kitty French, Sir Peter Blake RA, John Bellany, Michael Renton, Linda McCartney, Peter Greenhalf, Jane Martin and Sarah Palmer, among many others waiting to be snapped up.
Also in the auction are generously donated items and experiences, including a very special private tour of Fairlight Hall and its fascinating art collection, with Sarah Kowitz. The auctioneer on the evening will be Kevin Wall of Rye Auction Galleries.
The gallery was founded by artist Mary Stormont, who in 1957 set up the Rye Art Gallery Trust and, after her death, bequeathed her art collection and Arts and Crafts house, Ypres Studio on East Street, to be held in trust for the Rye community as a place to come and enjoy and learn about art. With a further bequest from painter Eileen Eason of her house on the High Street, both were knocked through to create the gallery space which opened in 1965. With exhibitions and fine art for sale by leading local artists, and an important permanent collection, it is a unique place. Work by 20th and 21st century major national and regional figures including Edward Burra and Paul Nash, (who both lived in Rye), Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell, Ivon Hitchens, John Bratby, Eric Gill, John Piper and Fred Cuming can be found in the collection.
Dr Julian Day, director and curator of the gallery, is looking forward to the auction. “It promises to be a fun night out where you can pick up great local fine art at bargain prices in the plush surroundings of the Tudor Room at The Mermaid. Thank you to all the donors, local artists and the Mermaid Inn. All proceeds will be used to help with the conservation of the collection and the restoration of the store rooms, so important for the preservation of the Rye Art Gallery into the future.”
Tickets are required to attend and are £6.00 to include a complimentary glass of wine and a raffle ticket, and can be purchased at the gallery or online here.
Image Credits: Rye Art Gallery .