Fabulous John Atkinson Grimshaw Painting Goes on Display at The Cooper Gallery

A stunning oil painting by John Atkinson Grimshaw has been allocated by HM Government to the fine art collection at the Cooper Gallery in Barnsley.  The painting was transferred to the nation in lieu of Inheritance Tax under the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Scheme which is administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

‘A Carter Passing a Mansion at Dusk’ is a beautiful street scene featuring the artist’s home, Knostrop Hall, in Leeds.  Atkinson Grimshaw was a highly regarded artist who was born in Leeds in 1836.  The scene at dusk, showing a man driving a horse and cart down a street lined with trees, is typical of the artist’s hugely popular nocturnal and moonlit scenes.

The Cooper Gallery was chosen as the recipient of the artwork because of the strength of the already outstanding collection of 19^th century British artworks and landscapes.  By being on display in the Gallery, visitors can learn more about the artwork and artist, and the painting will be looked after for future generations to appreciate.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) said: “We are delighted to be the recipients of this important piece of artwork as part of the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.  It’s a fantastic addition to the Gallery’s already brilliant collection and it is wonderful that through this project people will have the opportunity to see and learn more about the work.”