User:Frank Isabey

Cooper Gallery. The Cooper Gallery is in the heart of Barnsley on Church Street. The building has has an interesting history. In 1884 it was the Holgate Barnsley Grammar School. When the school moved premisis in 1912 the building was up for auction. Mr Samuel Joshua Cooper, a local bussiness man bought the building for £3,300. When Mr Cooper died in 1913, it was stated in his will that the building become an art gallery for the people of Barnsley, under the care of trustees. Mr Cooper left 275 of his personal paintings to the gallery. In 1934 a wing was added to the gallery to house more paintings donated by the trustees, it was named the Fox wing after one of the trustees. During the second world war the building was taken over for the use as a hospital. In 1957 the gallery was returned to its trustees and its development has been on going ever since. It is a busy gallery where throughout the year people of all ages can be involved in a variety of workshops. Weekly drawing classes are also held. Exhibitions change regularly and offer wide ranging themes from local artists work to artists of National and International renown. On the ground floor the gallery houses a coffee shop for light refreshments. Many pieces of original 2D and 3D work can be purchased at the gallery.