SAATCHI GALLERY IS COUNCIL PARTNER IN ART SCHOOL PROJECT

Thomas Houseago “Joanne”, 2005 plaster, hemp, steel, graphite Courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London © Thomas Houseago 2010

The Saatchi Gallery in London was today unveiled as the major collection planning to loan important works to the proposed art gallery and museum in High Street, Ipswich Borough Council announced.
 
The proposed facility in the former Ipswich Art School is set to open in the summer after negotiations between the Council and the building’s owner, Suffolk New College.
 
Saatchi intends to loan items for the first exhibition at the gallery/museum. A major fund-raising campaign to purchase the building will be established and it is hoped to win support from local businesses and community leaders.
 
A spokesperson for Saatchi said today: “We are happy that the former Art School will once again have a strong educational reach. We hope that the many schools that visit the Saatchi Gallery in London will be encouraged to visit the new museum in Ipswich to enable even more students to see contemporary art first-hand on a regular basis.”
 
Maggi Hambling, who will also exhibit work in High Street, said: “My beginnings were at Ipswich Art School. Its restoration as a place of vision would re-focus attention on to the vital richness of this place and its continuing inspiration for artists.”
 
The project was approved by the Borough Council’s ruling Executive last night.
 
Councillor Judy Terry, Arts, Culture & Leisure portfolio-holder, said: “We are delighted that the Saatchi Gallery is involved. This unique collaboration will establish the gallery/museum as a cultural and educational facility of great importance and I am sure it will be a great attraction to local people and students and a big draw for visitors. We are grateful to Suffolk New College for its support.”