Fundraising dinner raises £25,000 to support Museums Sheffield's charitable work

On Thursday February 16, over 160 business leaders and individuals from across the city region came together to support Museums Sheffield at a spectacular fundraising dinner at the Millennium Gallery.
Neil MacDonald, trustee at Museums Sheffield, Paulette Edwards, presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield, Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Museums Sheffield, John Cowling, chair of trustees at Museums Sheffield, Joe Scarborough, Sheffield artist and Lucy Crapper, auctioneer.Neil MacDonald, trustee at Museums Sheffield, Paulette Edwards, presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield, Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Museums Sheffield, John Cowling, chair of trustees at Museums Sheffield, Joe Scarborough, Sheffield artist and Lucy Crapper, auctioneer.
Neil MacDonald, trustee at Museums Sheffield, Paulette Edwards, presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield, Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Museums Sheffield, John Cowling, chair of trustees at Museums Sheffield, Joe Scarborough, Sheffield artist and Lucy Crapper, auctioneer.

Hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield’s Paulette Edwards, the black tie event raised £25,000 to support the charity’s work across the city.

The city regions’ businesses play a key role in supporting Museums Sheffield to produce inspirational exhibitions, events and learning programmes, and free and welcoming public spaces for the people of Sheffield and visitors to the city alike.

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The fundraising evening included an unveiling of The Mother Enthroned, a remarkable work by English Pre-Raphaelite painter Thomas Cooper Gotch - an important piece of Sheffield’s history. The almost 3 metre wide painting was damaged by shrapnel during the Sheffield Blitz in 1940 whilst on show at the Mappin Gallery. It was conserved in 1996 yet had never been subsequently displayed because of its immense size until its debut at the dinner. Sheffield artist Tom J. Newell also created an original piece of artwork inspired by The Mother Enthroned during the evening and both works remained on show over the weekend as part of a special pop-up exhibition at the Millennium Gallery.

Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Museums Sheffield said: “We’re delighted with the success of our fundraising dinner. Thank you to all our generous guests, supporters and the many organisations and individuals who donated fantastic prizes for our raffle and auction. The funds raised will make a vital difference in ensuring we continue to offer the best possible experience for our visitors and provide a vibrant and engaging museums service for everyone to enjoy.”

Guests at the event were welcomed with an Artisan Gin Bar generously provided by Locksley Gin Distillery, followed by a sumptuous three-course banquet accompanied by wine kindly donated by Austin’s Wine Merchants. The Millennium Gallery spaces were transformed for the evening by Campbell’s Flowers, lighting by The Christmas Decorators, a delicious 3 course menu by Baxter Storey, and live music by local acoustic jazz quartet, the Djangonauts.

The evening’s events included a live auction led by auctioneer Lucy Crapper that showcased Sheffield artists, makers and manufacturers, as well as unique prizes and experiences. Lots included an opportunity to step back in time and enjoy a personal guided walking tour of Ruskin’s Venice with the Master of the Guild of St George, and a sterling silver water jug by Sheffield silversmith Brett Payne.

All the money raised will support Museums Sheffield work to ensure that Sheffield’s arts and heritage is accessible to everyone.