Barnsley Museum secures future of precious painting with important links to the borough

Barnsley Museums secures future of precious painting with important links to the borough.

An important piece of art linked to the history of the town has been purchased by Barnsley Museums, to ensure it will be forever be accessible to the residents of the borough.

The portrait of William Wentworth, 2nd Earl of Strafford (1722-1791) by Thomas Bardwell is now on display in the stunning setting of Cannon Hall Museum and will add to their already outstanding collection of fine art that visitors can see free of charge.

As conservators of the boroughs heritage it is the duty of Barnsley Museums, where possible, to keep significant artwork such as this in the area for people to experience and enjoy.  It also provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn more about Barnsley’s rich and fascinating history.

The work was able to be brought back to the borough thorough a designated fund as part of Barnsley Museums’ innovative partnership with the National Trust and Northern Collage, which recently secured a sustainable future for Wentworth Castle Gardens.  The painting highlights the historical links between Cannon Hall, the grand Georgian Country House and the magnificent Stainborough Castle which later went on to become Wentworth Castle.

Matt Gladstone Executive Director, Place said:

We are absolutely delighted that a painting of this calibre is back in Barnsley where it belongs for visitors and residents to enjoy.  We understand how important the preservation of important work such as this and are pleased that it will be in the care of our brilliant museum service who will ensure its future for generations to come.