Project Name:
Save and Preserve Opie’s Cornish Masterpiece

Applicant: Falmouth Art Gallery

Grant Awarded:
Your Heritage grant of £44,300

Project:
John Opie was Cornwall’s first famous artist and this project secured the acquisition of The Beggar for the gallery. Staff and volunteers helped to deliver an impressive series of free events and workshops, which included gallery talks, felt making, printing, face painting, dance, drama, mime, papier-mâché mask making, collage, foil leaves, finger painting, badge making, wax resist, pirate eye patches and a treasure hunt. These were open to a wide variety of audiences, including special needs groups.

Highlights of the project included Beano and Dandy artist Nick Brennan, who showed visitors how he would draw Opie’s beggar boy. The project also produced the highly acclaimed Samantha Seagull visits Falmouth Art Gallery, an activity story book for children staring the community of Falmouth. nThis project used the skills of many volunteers and has boosted self esteem in this rural community.

Winner Because:
Though a small project, it demonstrates an understanding of innovative ways of using a portrait to engage with many audiences, particularly children and disabled groups