The Friends of the Doncaster Museums 

Articles

The Latest News and Updates

The following articles provide an insight in to the projects, The Friends undertake, to support Doncaster’s museums, art gallery and archives. To succeed in out goals we work with, and are grateful for the support of many organisations and individuals.

The Ben Parkinson
Portrait

On Saturday 2nd November, in front of honoured guests and members of The Friends, a portrait of local hero Ben Parkinson MBE was unveiled at Doncaster's Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.

Commission by The Friends of the Doncaster Museums,  and created by artist David Curtis, the portrait is to be displayed in the art gallery as a testament to Ben’s courage and achievements. 

Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson lost both his legs in 2006 when his Land Rover hit a mine while he served in the Army. Ben is now a fundraiser and campaigner and has become a well known figure in Doncaster.

The Friends of the Doncaster Museums would like to thank everyone involved in making this event possible.

Chair of The Friends of the Doncaster Museums Dr Matthew Jones with Ben Parkinson MBE.

The trustees of The Friends of the Doncaster Museums.

Artist David Curtis (Royal Society of Marine Arts and a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters).

The Friends would like to thank all our guests for attending the unveiling.

From left to right: Dame. Rosie Winterton; Doncaster Council Chief Executive Damian Allen; Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones.

No event would be complete without food and drink, thanks go out to all those involved in providing the catering.

The Copley Estate Map

The Friends are pleased announce that the Copley Estate Map has finally been acquired for the archives and has arrived safely in Doncaster. Discussions about the map began over 5 years ago and the Friends were asked to donate £1000 towards the cost of over £7000 which enable Heritage Doncaster to approach other funders who were more likely to make a grant if we supported the project.

 Why is it so important? The map belongs to a transitional period in the early 18th century when the old medieval open field agricultural system was being replaced by enclosed fields whose ownership was vested in a local landowner- this map shows the process partway completed and is this very rare. The Friends would like to thank those who has made this acquisition possible, especially our members- without whose support we could not continue to support the different parts of the museum's service. This is the 3rd major donation to the archives over the last two years or so- the Baxter testimonial , marking the coming of the railway to Doncaster, the Copley Map, and a large collection of early twentieth century auction catalogues (donated by a member through the Friends to the archives) marking the breakup of many of the large estates in the area. 

The Albert Houthuesen Trust Gift; One Year On.

It is just over a year since the exhibition at Danum Gallery, Library & Museum (DGLAM) focussing on the work of Albert Houthuesen closed. The Friends had worked for almost 4 years to raise the funds to fully fund the exhibition, covering transport, postcards and the guide to the artist's life. Houthuesen spent most of the Second World War in the Doncaster Area and his experiences continued to shape his output for the rest of his life.

In recognition of the immense effort the Friends had put into the project, The Albert Houthuesen Trust presented five artworks to the Trustees of the Friends of Doncaster Museum. 

We were delighted to sign over ownership to Heritage Doncaster, and these works will reside in the permanent collection at DGLAM. The Friends would like to thank the following for their support with this project; The Liz and Terry Bramall Charitable Trust, Tesco 'Bags of Help Scheme' Tickhill Local History Society and numerous members of The Friends who made generous donations.
 

Dave Adgar
Chair

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THE FRIENDS OF THE DONCASTER MUSEUMS, Registered Charity Number 1189117

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