Show charts the treasures and history of benefactors

Now people in the town can Meet the Harveys after an exhibition was put together celebrating their philanthropy.

Wealthy industrialist William Harvey made his fortune in the linen trade in the 19th century and became one of the town’s biggest benefactors, donating public buildings such as the Mechanics Institute, the School of Art, Beckett’s Hospital, and perhaps the most well-known, the Public Hall, now The Civic.

He also collected art, and built up a collection including many 17th and 18th century Dutch and Flemish pieces. On his death, Mr Harvey left £1,000 to establish a school of art in Barnsley, the forerunner of Barnsley College, and in 1917, his nephew left the collection of art to the nation. On display at the exhibition at Experience Barnsley, the museum inside the Town Hall, are the highlights, including old masters by artists such as Canaletto and Hogarth, gifted to the people of the borough - and the story of the Harvey family.

A series of family events coincide with the exhibition. Visit www.experience-barnsley.com for details.