Otter Gallery facts for kids
The Otter Gallery was a special art gallery located at the University of Chichester in West Sussex, UK. It was a place where people could see amazing art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The gallery also took care of the University's own art collection, which began way back in 1947.
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Discovering the Otter Gallery: A Home for Art
What Was the Otter Gallery All About?
The Otter Gallery was more than just a place to look at pictures. It hosted exciting exhibitions, where different artists could show their work. It also held talks and events, helping students and visitors learn more about art. The gallery was very important because it looked after the University of Chichester's large collection of artworks. This collection is even listed with Art UK, a website that shares art from public collections across the United Kingdom.
How the University's Art Collection Began
The idea for the art collection started thanks to a person named Eleanor Hipwell. She was the head of art at Bishop Otter College, which later became part of the University. Eleanor bought three paintings from an exhibition to display them at the college. This was the very beginning of the collection!
Later, when Miss K. E. Murray became the new Principal, she worked with Sheila McCririck, who took over from Eleanor Hipwell. Together, they decided to build a collection of modern British art. Their goal was to inspire students and help them learn about the art of their time.
Amazing Artists in the Collection
The art collection is still kept safe by The Bishop Otter Trust. It includes works by many important artists from the 20th Century. Some famous names you might recognize are Patrick Heron, Stanley Spencer, and Henry Moore. Other talented artists like Paul Nash, Mary Fedden, Sandra Blow, Jill Bray, Ivon Hitchens, and John Hitchens also have their art in this special collection. Their artworks help us understand different styles and ideas from the past.
Why Did the Gallery Close?
Sadly, the University of Chichester decided to close the Otter Gallery for good in October 2018. Many people were upset about this decision. There were public protests and efforts to try and save the gallery, but unfortunately, it closed permanently. Even though the gallery is closed, the wonderful art collection it cared for is still preserved.
