1,450 people have raised over £100,000 in just five days in response to a one-week public fundraising campaign launched last week by Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to help it acquire a recently rediscovered masterpiece by JMW Turner, successfully meeting the campaign’s target ahead of the Sotheby’s auction on 2 July.
Donations have come in from across Bristol and beyond, ranging from £2 to £15,000. The campaign has attracted huge support from individuals, families, first-time donors and long-time museum supporters alike, all keen to see The Rising Squall return to Bristol and remain in public hands.
Donors have shared powerful messages of support while contributing to the Crowdfunder, including:
“As an American admirer of Turner, I hope someday to visit Bristol and see this important and beautiful painting on display.” Kristin Thompson, international donor, £500
“I look forward to seeing this fabulous painting in Bristol where it truly belongs!” Dawn Annie Nickless £10 donor
“Contributed as a member of the Turner Society. Bristol’s case for securing this significant early painting by Turner in public UK hands is unchallengeable. To £100k and beyond!” Dr Pieter van der Merwe £100 donor
“I hope we manage to bring this Turner home, I’d love to see it in the Museum for all Bristolians to share.” Carol Saunders £20 donor
“Having had the privilege of crouching in the cave to photograph the view of the gorge which Turner drew as a teenager, how could I not contribute! Let’s get there!” Davide £100 donor
“Sorry it’s not much were flat broke, but we had to donate to such an amazing cause. Good luck.” Local donor, £2
“It seems most appropriate that this picture from a world class painter should find a permanent home in the city where it was painted.” Local donor, £10
Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said:
“This is the most ambitious campaign we have ever mounted in such a short space of time, so to hit our target in just five days is a phenomenal achievement. We are humbled by the generosity and support people have shown. From small donations to major gifts, this campaign has been powered by individuals who care deeply about Bristol’s story and Turner and want to see both reflected in our public collection.”
Kate Newnham, senior curator, visual arts, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, said:
“It’s overwhelming to have received such an incredible and positive response from the people of Bristol and beyond. It just goes to show the importance of access to art and culture to everyone.
“We are determined to do everything we can to bring this artwork back to Bristol and show everyone who has donated or shared our campaign that their support has made a difference. If we are successful in our bid, we can’t wait to throw open our doors and welcome everyone in to come and enjoy The Rising Squall for the first time in more than 150 years.”
Although the £100k target has been reached, the Crowdfunder will remain open until 11.59pm on 1 July, as the team says every extra pound donated will strengthen their bid.
Painted in 1792 when Turner was just 17, The Rising Squall, Hot Wells, from St Vincent’s Rock, Bristol shows the Avon Gorge before the Clifton Suspension Bridge was built. It was the first oil painting he ever exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793. The work was last seen in public in 1858 in Tasmania and was recently rediscovered after being hidden for more than 150 years.
If acquired, the painting will go on display in Bristol this summer before travelling to Tate Britain for the Turner and Constable exhibition in November. It will also form the heart of a city-wide Turner trail and be used in school, university and public programmes.
No council funds are being used for the acquisition. All the money raised has come from individual donors and cultural supporters.
To donate or learn more visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bringturnerhome.
