Priory thanks its Brueghel fundraisers

SUPPORTERS who pledged £2.7m to keep an iconic painting in its rightful home in Yorkshire have celebrated their remarkable fundraising feat.

Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s stunning 1602 painting The Procession to Calvary, which has hung at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield, for more than 200 years, was at risk of being lost to public viewing and switched to a private collection when it was put up for sale by owner Lord St Oswald last September.

The National Trust, which owns the stately home, launched a campaign – backed by the Yorkshire Post – to raise the £2.72m needed to buy the painting and keep its star attraction at Nostell Priory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It sparked a huge reaction, with the money being pledged by members of the public and various trusts and foundations, in a matter of months.

The house has now opened its doors to the supporters who helped keep the Dutch masterpiece in place.

Nostell Priory house and collections manager Chris Blackburn said: “It’s a real celebration that the Brueghel is here to stay.”

The campaign was so successful that the money raised was the largest amount ever recorded for a single work of art, added Chris.

“There were a number of local people who came yesterday who hosted events and fundraising activities and we’re just so glad we could thank them for their support.”