Going, going, gone in gallery’s auction

A miniature, bronze statue depicting famed 19th Century engineer Joseph Locke crafted by renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson is just one of the works which will be sold off to the highest bidder this month.

Artists from across Yorkshire have donated paintings, drawings, prints, 3D sculpture, and handmade ceramics and glassware to the century-old Cooper Gallery’s 100 Appeal, which aims to raise £765,000 to transform and extend the town centre building, conserve its existing collection, and develop its range of events and exhibitions by 2016.

Prospective buyers are invited to visit the gallery to view the collection, which also includes Tinsley Viaduct, featuring the iconic cooling towers demolished in 2008 donated by photographer Peter Watson, ahead of the auction on October 24. Each lot has an estimated value of between £100 to £500 to allow local people to own a piece of unique artwork without raiding their savings.

Call Cooper Gallery on 01226 242905 or email cooper100@barnsley.gov.uk for details.