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Charity donates six-figure sum to Aberdeen Art Gallery revamp

Aberdeen City Council's deputy leader Marie Boulton and James Barrack - managing director at Knight Property Group and founder and chairman of the Barrack Charitable
Aberdeen City Council's deputy leader Marie Boulton and James Barrack - managing director at Knight Property Group and founder and chairman of the Barrack Charitable

A north-east charity has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to the multimillion-pound renovation of Aberdeen Art Gallery.

The Barrack Charitable Trust, the fundraising arm of Knight Property Group, has donated a six-figure sum to support the £30million redevelopment of the facility.

It comes just weeks after public donations to the project surpassed the £3million mark.

A high-profile fundraising drive for the remaining £7million is ongoing, while the rest of the money will come from the Heritage Lottery and local authority.

The treasured space is being transformed into a modern attraction, with 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11 and a community gallery. The hall of remembrance is also being upgraded.

The work will allow more space for international exhibitions, while outdoor terraces may tempt visitors to spend even more time at the gallery as they sit back and look over the city skyline.

Last night, a senior city councillor said the donation would rejuvenate the facility.

The authority’s deputy leader Marie Boulton said: “It is now less than a year to go before Aberdeen Art Gallery reopens.

“Aberdeen’s exceptional collection is one of the finest in the UK. Contributions such as this are helping to create a rejuvenated art gallery, enhancing enjoyment and understanding of the city’s rich culture and history for visitors of all ages.”

The trust selected the gallery for its donation in December after its chairman James Barrack expressed a particular interest in one of the opening exhibition’s planned for the revamped venue.

A collection of French paintings from the late 19th to the early 20th century will be hung in the facility’s Gallery 10 alongside British pieces from the same period, to show the influence of the country on art at that time

Mr Barrack, who is also managing director at Knight Property Group, said the project was “fundamental” to the city.

He said: “Aberdeen has noticed some considerable changes in the past 18 months. With local, independent businesses struggling throughout the city it is important that we reinvest in the tourism industry and continue to attract new visitors.

“Art is something that everyone can benefit from. As well as providing enjoyment, the arts can also play a fundamental role in a person’s development. I’ve always had a keen interest in art and feel that this prestigious project is a worthy cause as all of Aberdeen can benefit in one way or another.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Those wishing to support the project can visit www.aagm.co.uk/donate or phone 01224 523670.

Donations can also be made by texting AAGM001 to 70970 to donate £5 and AAGM001 to 70191 to donate £10.

Donors can also send a cheque, made payable to Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust, to: Inspiring Art and Music Campaign, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY.

Alternatively, call 01224 523670.