An evening private view in Bloomsbury, generously hosted by Abbott and Holder and organised by the newly-formed Young Patrons’ committee highlighted our shared values.

By AHLU’s Young Patrons Committee

Thank you to all those who joined us on Thursday 29th May for the launch of a new programme for the Young Patrons scheme. The event was hosted by Tom Edwards, Director of Abbott and Holder (with his trusty dog Fraser) and brought together a fantastic group of art enthusiasts.

The Young Patrons of Art History Link-Up is a group of supporters who play an important role championing the Charity. Our newly-formed committee, comprising of Kira Svenning, Melissa Chaplin, Hadden White and Eleanor Chapman, were delighted to meet with guests and Art History Link-Up alumni and hear more about Abbott and Holder.

Tom gave us a fascinating introduction to Abbott and Holder. Established in 1936, the gallery is located near the British Museum, at 30 Museum Street, and specialises in 19th- and 20th-century English paintings, watercolours, drawings, and prints. He discussed the origins of Abbott and Holder and their founders’ roots in Quakerism. The founders’ message that buying art should be more accessible and approachable profoundly resonated with the message and mission of Art History Link-Up.

Guests were encouraged to mingle and enjoy the art. On display were works by Georgina Allen, Muirhead Bone and a wonderful pencil sketch by J.M.W Turner. Tom was on hand to provide knowledge and answer questions, whether that be how smaller galleries operate in today’s market to how he personally curates the selection on display.

The evening provided an opportunity for us to kickstart a new programme of events for Young Patrons. As a new committee we are passionate about expanding and diversifying the programme and our community. Going forward we are planing a wider range of Young Patron opportunities from smaller, more intimate events (whether that be archive visits, gallery viewings, talks from experts in their artistic fields), to bigger events such as the Abbott and Holder evening.

The evening at Abbott and Holder encapsulated exactly what the Young Patrons are trying to achieve. More broadly we wish to foster a greater connection between young patrons and the world of art. Naturally we want more people to join our Young Patrons. Joining the Young Patrons provides unique opportunities for networking, learning about art and arts education and philanthropy.

If you would like to join the Young Patrons and enjoy our programme of events then we’d love to hear from you. Membership is open to all aged between 18 and 45 with an annual donation of £250.

You can find out more and sign up on the ‘Support Us’ page on our website: https://www.arthistorylinkup.org/support-us