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Press Release: 8 December 2003
Barber Institute is 'Gallery of the Year'
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham has been awarded the prestigious title of 'Gallery of the Year' by The Good Britain Guide.
The respected guidebook – stablemate of the well-known Good Pub Guide and The Good Hotel Guide – describes the Barber as "a comprehensive collection of European art by the great masters, approachably hung in a friendly-sized building", further commending it for being "a relaxed and well-displayed gallery, enjoyable without being overwhelming".
"The
art is eclectic with a little of just about everything", continues the
guide, also mentioning that the collection includes" quite a lot
of Impressionist works as well as European masters."
What's best about the accolade is that it's awarded after nominations by real visitors - and only if enough visitors nominate an attraction do undercover inspectors call in themselves to whether it merits the top award.
Editor Alisdair Aird said: " In making its awards, the Good Britain Guide editorial team first draws up a short list, then makes its final selection from this list, on the basis of overall quality, enjoyment and value for money. The flow of reports from readers is an important element in this process."
Barber Institute Director Professor Richard Verdi welcomed the guide's verdict. "When the Barber was founded, the trust deed stipulated that the collection should include only works of art 'of that standard of quality as required by the National Gallery and the Wallace Collection'," said Prof. Verdi. "That ethos has continued to this day. The Barber really is a mini-National Gallery, with a continuing record of excellence in exhibitions, acquisitions and education work – a programme which makes us a front-runner among galleries of our size. But I also think the quality of the architecture, the stature of the collection and the helpful treatment visitors receive from friendly and informed staff contributed to the Barber being awarded this accolade."
The Barber is currently enjoying record attendances for its exhibition 'The Sun rising through Vapour': Turner's early Seascapes, and next week launches a further exhibition – Works on Paper: New Acquisitions at the Barber Institute (from Friday, December 5).
'The Sun rising through Vapour': Turner's early Seascapes runs at Barber Institute until January 25. The exhibition, and the permanent collection are open daily (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun midday-5pm). Admission Free. Closed Christmas Eve; Boxing Day; New Year's Day
| For further information, or to arrange an interview with Barber Institute Director Professor Richard Verdi, contact Andrew Davies, Press and Marketing Officer for the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, on 0121 414 2946 or andrewdavies@barber.org.uk |