The University of Warwick’s Mead Gallery is mounting a special exhibition to celebrate the 21 years of generosity by the "Friends of the Mead" organisation which has donated 40 works of art to the Mead Gallery in Warwick Arts Centre over that time.

On the 2nd of May 2008, the celebratory exhibition will open in the main atrium of University House featuring 16 of the 40 works of art that have been bought for the University of Warwick Art Collection by the Friends of the Mead, along with other works that together, have made the University’s Collection into one of the most significant collections of twentieth century and contemporary art in the region.

The Friends of the Mead were established in 1987 to support the visual arts at the University of Warwick through its newly opened gallery. Members are local people who are also involved in local art societies, in teaching art at local schools and colleges and in using craft skills, developed in local industries. Together, they are a vibrant and active group of people who share an interest in art and a commitment to developing people’s enjoyment of it and access to it.

In addition to raising funds to purchase works of art, the Friends also support the Saturday Children’s Workshops at the Mead Gallery, an annual trip to one of the London Art Fairs by a member of staff or student and the University’s student Art Society.

University Curator, Sarah Shalgosky said, "The Friends of the Mead contribute hugely to the life of the University. Not only do they support the purchase of significant works for us, works that we really want but have no hope of buying, but they also encourage a wide range of interaction with the visual arts, from the toddlers who come to the Saturday Art Workshops to the students whose workshops and art exhibitions are supported by the Friends to the members of staff who are given the opportunity to attend one of the London Art Fairs. We are very grateful to them for their enthusiastic support and commitment and, now they have come of age, we wish them a very happy birthday."

The exhibition is in the atrium of University House. Any member of the public wishing to see the exhibition should first go the reception desk in University House. It runs from 2 May to 1 June 2008.

For more information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Press and Media Relations Manager,
University of Warwick, 02476 523708, or 07767 655860, p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

PR40 30th April 2008