A series of free lectures by experts will commemorate the hundredth year of Beverley’s museum and art gallery.
This year the people of Beverley are celebrating a century since the opening of the gallery and museum in the building given by benefactor John Champney.
As well as giving the building – which is now part of the Treasure House, in aptly named Champney Road, Beverley – John Champney also donated his extensive collection of paintings and books.
The series of lectures, organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s archives and local studies service, will compliment an exhibition which is also taking place in Gallery Two at the Treasure House, showing the building, books, paintings and artefacts John Champney bequeathed to the people of Beverley.
The series, held on Monday evenings, will start with a lecture by local historian and column writer, Dr John Markham entitled ‘Beverley’s Bookish Benefactor’ on Monday, 20 September.
On Monday, 4 October, Professor Bernard Richards, a Ruskin scholar from Oxford University, will examine the subject of ‘Ruskin’s Impact on Victorian Taste’. Ruskin is the subject of a number of the books which John Champney gave.
Linda H Barone and Glen Malkin from the archives and local studies services’ conservation department will explore the conservation aspects of preserving such a large collection of books on Monday, 18 October.
Finally, Professor John Wilton-Ely will give a lecture entitled ‘The Grandeur of Rome: Champney and the Art of Piranesi’ on Monday, 8 November, drawing from one of the original books in the collection.
All speakers are experts in their field.
Each lecture will begin at 7.30pm in the art gallery, upstairs in the Treasure House, in Champney Road, Beverley.
Tickets are free, however booking is essential via the archives and local studies service. They can be booked in person at the Treasure House, by calling (01482) 392790.
