The Cooper Gallery Auction

We are proud to be hosting the 3rd fundraising auction to raise money for the Cooper gallery collection.

Artists from across the region, including Graham Ibbeson, Malcolm Whittaker, Geoff White and Moz Khokhar have kindly donated 80 pieces of work consisting of glass, jewellery, ceramics, prints, photos, sculptures. We are also delighted to include 4 paintings by the late Eric Hill as a memorial to this great local artist.

A raffle will also be drawn, prizes include Wentworth Woodhouse £25 voucher, signed book by Millie Johnson, and a £20 voucher for the Cooper Café and the Old George.

We are so grateful to all the artists, makers and donors who have contributed and huge thank you to our auctioneer for the evening, Pierre Maciag and compere Ian McMillan.

The entire proceeds from the auction and raffle will go towards the Cooper Gallery for the conservation, preservation and upkeep of the collections and building.

Thank you for your support. We hope you enjoy the evening.

The Cooper Gallery Trustees 2022

ERIC HILL MEMORIAL LOTS Eric Hill died last year leaving behind him a large legacy of art. He bequeathed over 400 unframed works to his framer, John, and it is him who has very kindly donated these 4, beautifully framed works to the auction.

Anyone who met Eric would remember him, he was one of those people that left an impression. remembers him fondly.

He could give any grumpy old man a run for their money, but despite that, everyone had a soft spot for him and when people talk of their encounters with him, it is with smiles and good humour, but by heck, he could be awkward.

He developed a style that was utterly unique. If you saw an Eric Hill, you would know it straight away. Those bold lines and blocks of colours, those minimal stick figures that give little information but you think you know them all the same. There was only one of him and we will all miss him.

Eric Hill (1921 – 2021) worked as a painter and decorator for the National Coal Board from when he was 14 years old up until he was 65. For a period of six years in the World War, he served as an Army driver. After retirement he took up painting.

Eric painted many scenes including collieries and mining communities, some of which can be found in the permanent collections at the National Mining Museum for England in Wakefield. He was also fond of landscapes, gaining inspiration from the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside and his beloved Barnsley . He won many prizes including one from the prestigious British Watercolour Society He was a member of many local art societies, such as Art Buddies and exhibited in numerous art galleries, quite frequently here at the Cooper Gallery.

4 EASY STEPS TO OWNING A PIECE FROM THE AUCTION Bidding is easy. You can place a commission bid before the auction or come along on the night of the auction and bid in person. This is what to do:1/ Look through this catalogue and fall in love with one of the lots.

2/ Phone the gallery, during opening hours, to place your highest offer or come to the auction and bid on the evening.

(01226 775678) 3/ The gallery staff will take your details and Pierre Maciag, our auctioneer, will bid on your behalf. What you bid is what you pay.

There is no commission 4/ The gallery staff will let you know if you have been successful after the auction and you can pay and collect after that date. If you bid on the evening you can pay and take the piece straight away.

Good luck and thank you for helping the Cooper Gallery Raffle tickets are also on sale at the gallery £1 each Prizes include :* Barnsley Museums goody bag * Barnsley Markets goody bag * £20 Voucher for the Old George * £20 Voucher for Cooper Café * Signed Milly Johnson book and pen * Two tickets for the Lamproom Pantomime Aladdin * £25 voucher for Wentworth Woodhouse * Steve Ellis Jug