Landmark nears for Friends of Ferens

Organisers of the Friends of Ferens scheme, which costs £10 a year to join and provides a range of benefits while supporting Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery, hope the milestone will be passed shortly.

It now has 392 members after singing up its latest batch of recruits.

Chrys Bavey, secretary and vice-chairman of the Friends of Ferens, said: “I’m absolutely delighted because we have been through quite a difficult patch economically.

“Things are not good for people and there are lots more important things they have to spend their money on, but enough people think it’s worth £10 to contribute to the gallery and that’s terrifically heartening.”

Members enjoy free entry to some events, talks and parties, are invited to preview events and get 10 per cent off items in the gallery’s cafe and shop.

Last year the gallery launched a sister scheme for companies, the Business Friends of Ferens, which charges £500 for annual membership.

It currently has two members, KC and Princes Quay shopping centre, and is expected to announce a third soon.

Members of the business scheme help the gallery to buy art and fund conservation projects, while being invited to meetings, lectures and social events, including visits to other places of artistic interest.

The gallery is currently basking in the glow of the most successful exhibition in its 84-year history – David Hockney’s Bigger Trees Near Warter – which has been seen by more than 43,000 people since it opened at the end of June. Staff are hoping 50,000 people will have seen the painting before the exhibition closes on September 18.

To become a Friend visit the gallery or call Chrys Bavey on (01482) 471349.