Originally published in The Hullfire.
The city of Hull received royal approval last week when the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the newly refurbished and recently reopened Ferens Art Gallery. They were here as part of a wider tour to celebrate Hull’s year as UK City of Culture. Amongst the wide collection of art on display at the gallery they viewed the rare 14th century masterpiece by pietro Lorenzetti which is now on permanent display there and a major highlight.
Taking different routes around the gallery which reopened on 13th January following a £5.2 million refurbishment, the Duchess also took in the impressive Francis Bacon: Nervous System display which runs until 1st May. It brings together some of the most striking and recognised paintings by the equally divisive and celebrated artist, including Head VI (1949).
The gallery has recently attracted unprecedented numbers of visitors with tens of thousands coming through the doors in the first few weeks of reopening. The curator of Art at the gallery, Kirsten Simister, said of the visit; “It helps to raise the profile of the gallery and the city. It was an amazing day as we continue to attract unprecedented visitor numbers.”
Their Royal Highnesses met the whole team at Ferens Art Gallery, representatives from Hull City Council and the team behind Hull City of Culture 2017. Various local organisations were in attendance including local primary schools, charities and Children in the Arts. Huge crowds were gathered outside the gallery in the royally named Queen Victoria Square to greet the pair who both took the time to meet some people as they arrived and departed to their next destinations. On the day they also visited Holy Trinity Church and The Deep (obviously – can’t come to Hull without seeing the Deep, the institution that it is) amongst other local points of interest.
If you haven’t yet been to see Ferens Art Gallery in all its refurbished glory then it is a strongly recommended visit and will host a number of exciting exhibitions throughout the year including the world renowned Turner Prize. It is open seven days a week at different times and is free entry.
Tim Goodfellow 