CLIFF’S PAINTING PURCHASED BY THE FRIENDS.
We are pleased to advise that the painting of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre by Cliff Murphy has been purchased by The Friends of Gallery Oldham and is now on display in the “Oldham Stories” exhibition in Gallery One.
The Coliseum painting, from the Oldham Open exhibition, was highlighted as something the Gallery would like to add to their collection and The Friends were approached to see if this was something the group would fundraise to acquire.
Roger Hindle, Chairman of the Friends of Gallery Oldham says “We are very excited that this is the first acquisition by the Friends. It is also a pleasure to be able to support a local artist.”
Rebecca Hill, Senior Curator at Gallery Oldham says “We are thrilled to be able to add to the collection this view of the Oldham’s iconic theatre. We feel sure it will be popular with audiences for many years to come. Thank you to the Friends of Gallery Oldham for making this possible, and to all of you who donated to support their fundraising campaign.”
Chairman Roger Hindle with Cliff Murphy and Senior Curator Rebecca Hill with “The Coliseum” painting in Gallery One
CHRISTMAS SOCIAL ENJOYED BY ALL
Our Christmas Social was held on Thursday 12th December and was attended by about 20 members and guests.
As well as a chance for members to socialise and enjoy some festive refreshments, many also took the opportunity to see “The Coliseum” in Gallery One as well as looking at the exhibitions “Minute to Midnight” and “A Walk Along the Towpath”
The refreshments were supplied thanks to the grant we received earlier in the year from the “One Oldham Fund” administered by Action Together.
Some of our members enjoying a drink and a chat at the Christmas Social
FRIENDS WEBSITE NOW LIVE.
With a massive thanks to a very generous offer from local company “Inclusive Bytes”, our website went live on 19th December 2024.
The website address is https://gofriends.org.uk/
You can use the links on the website to sign up to Easyfundraising, make a donation either to our GoFundMe account or direct to our bank account and even join or renew your membership.
If you have any comments about the website, or suggestions of what can be amended or added, please let us know by emailing fogoldham@aol.com
CONGRATULATIONS HADRIAN
Congratulations to one of our members, Hadrian Richards, whose painting “If Walls Could Talk” was chosen as Art UK’s “Work of the Week” in early December.
The oil painting, of Plate Street in the Town Centre, was donated to Gallery Oldham by Hadrian in 2021 and has recently gone on display in Gallery One’s Oldham Stories exhibition.
Hadrian’s painting “If Walls Could Talk”
FRIENDS “MADE BY MEMBERS” SALE
A big thank you to everyone who donated items for the “Made by Members” sale which along with the GoFundMe appeal allowed us to buy Cliff Murphy’s painting of Oldham Coliseum for the Gallery collection.
As well as the sales from the stall, there was a Silent Auction for three items from Paul Wilson and Peter Stanaway and a raffle for Steve Whitworth’s painting of Oldham Parish Church.
A grand total of £455 was raised.
The winner of the raffle was Alison Owen who was over the moon with her win. Chairman of The Friends of Gallery Oldham presented Alison with her prize in time for Christmas.
Alison Owen receiving her raffle win from Friends Chairman Roger Hindle
RAISE MONEY FOR FOGO WHILST SHOPPING ONLINE
The Friends of Gallery Oldham are registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them, even sale items – at no extra cost to yourself!
Many popular companies are part of the scheme, including Amazon, eBay, B&Q, Pets at Home, Tesco – far too many to mention here but check to see if people you buy from are on the list.
These donations can really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE, really easy (if I can do it – anyone can) and only takes two minutes to register.
Even if you are already signed up to easyfundraising, you can change your choice to us if you so wish.
Use the link on our website to join and raise money for us for free.
WHAT’S ON AT GALLERY OLDHAM
“Oldham Stories” continues as a permanent exhibition in Gallery One.
“Minute to Midnight” is running in Gallery Two until 1st March. This will be followed by the story of the refurbishment of the Old Library in an exhibition called “New Life in an Old Building” which will run from 15th March until 30th May.
“The Lights” will open in Gallery Three on 25th January and runs until 28th April
Gallery 4 features work by groups or individuals from Oldham or whose work relates to the town. “Solar Maximum” by Amber Queally and the Stupid Astronomer runs from 25th January until 8th March.
Details of these and other events can be found in the “What’s On” brochure which is free and available at the Gallery or on the Gallery’s website.
UPCOMING FRIENDS EVENTS
13th February 2025 – 6.30pm – As we mentioned in our first newsletter Senior Curator Rebecca Hill, visited Japan last year. She will give us a presentation on the background for the trip and what transpired during her time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
12th June 2025 – 6.30pm – This will be our first Annual General Meeting. Although no arrangements have been made yet, we hope to have a guest speaker.
There will be further Friends events on 10th April, 14th August 9th October and 11th December 2025, although no firm arrangements have been made so far.
FUNDING AND PUBLICITY ALWAYS WELCOME
Do you know of any local companies or organisations who may be able to either make a donation to us or allow us to apply for any charitable funding to help us with our aims and objectives, or do you know how we could spread the word of the Friends group by any other means? If so, please get in touch by emailing us at fogoldham@aol.com.
HELP RECRUIT NEW FRIENDS
If you have any friends or family who would be interested in joining The Friends of Gallery Oldham, please let us know or ask them to get in touch by emailing us at fogoldham@aol.com or visit our website and join online.
