We were established as Friends of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum in 1984. Since then we have raised almost half a million pounds to support the work of the art gallery and museum.

Our aims as Friends are:

1. To support and promote the aims and activities of The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum.

2. To act as ambassadors to ensure The Wilson’s continued success and growth.

3. To support the purchase and conservation of items for the collections, the funding of exhibitions and the raising of money for major projects.

The Friends are a registered charity (no 289514) and we are managed by a committee of trustees. You can find out more about the trustees in our Meet the Trustees page and find our Constitution and Rules below.

The Story so far…

Since 1984 the Friends have raised over half a million pounds for the Art Gallery & Museum, including £250,000 towards the redevelopment programme during 2011-13.

Our donations have helped to buy

• Paintings, such as the portrait of Captain Henry Skillicorne and watercolours by Edward Wilson
• Items for the Arts & Crafts Gallery, including a table by Pugin, a cabinet by Gimson and a Liberty silver bowl
• Sculpture, such as Nativity by Eric Gill
• Museum items, such as a pair of silk shoes worn by Princess Victoria and a pipe belonging to Edward Wilson

We have also helped to fund many exhibitions.

Click here to see a full list of what we have funded.