Lecture programme marks town art gallery's centenary

The Museum and Art Gallery, now part of the Treasure House, opened in 1910, the gift of the area's great benefactor John Edward Champney.

Mr Champney, an industrialist, also donated his extensive collection of paintings and 4,500 books.

The series of lectures, organised by East Riding Council's archives and local studies service, complements an exhibition in the Treasure House, which displays some of the books and paintings.

The series, held on Monday evenings, starts with a lecture by local historian Dr John Markham entitled Beverley's Bookish Benefactor on Monday September 20.

On Monday, October 4, Professor Bernard Richards, of Oxford University, will examine Ruskin's Impact on Victorian Taste.

Linda Barone and Glen Malkin from the archives and local studies services' conservation department will explore the conservation aspects of preserving such a large collection of books on Monday October 18. Finally, Professor John Wilton-Ely will give a lecture The Grandeur of Rome: Champney and the Art of Piranesi on Monday November 8.

Each lecture, in the art gallery, begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are free but places need to be booked either by calling in person at the Treasure House, ringing 01482 392790 or on-line at www.eastriding.gov.uk/events