The Minories is an arts charity and gallery in an historic townhouse in central Colchester. Our vision is 'Empowering our communities to access the life-changing power of art'
Colchester's oldest gallery
Colchester born Clarence Victor Batte-Lay was an avid collector of paintings and furniture. After the death of his wife in 1955, the VBLF was established with the instruction that ‘An ancient building of antiquarian or archaeological interest’ be bought in her late husband’s memory, to house and exhibit his collection ‘for the benefit and advantage of the inhabitants of Colchester’.
74 High Street has long been an essential part of any visit to the town center, and in the warmer months it’s secluded garden is a particular delight. To discover its peace and calm for the first time is a memory that certainly seems to remain in many visitors’ hearts. Inside, in the galleries and reception rooms, elegant spaces can be found ideal for quiet, visual contemplation.
OUR FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS
We are immensely grateful to the following funders and supporters whose generosity allows us to upkeep our historic building, support local creative people and make change in our community.
GILES AND SONIA COODE-ADAMS
Giles and Sonia have given a donation to support our core costs, including staff salaries, utility costs and upkeep of our historic building.
BEN COODE-ADAMS AND FREDDIE ROBINS
Ben and Freddie have given a donation to support our core costs, including staff salaries, utility costs and upkeep of our historic building.
GARFIELD WESTON CHARITABLE TRUST
A grant from Garfield Weston helps to support our core costs, including staff salaries, utility costs and upkeep of our historic building.
HERVEY BENHAM FOUNDATION
We are in the final year of a three-year grant from Hervey Benham, which support us to deliver Artist Residencies.
HERITAGE COMPASS
A grant from Heritage Compass allowed us to hire a wedding coordinator to support with the relaunch of our wedding offer.
HYPERLOCAL, AWARDING FUNDS BY NORTH EAST ESSEX HEALTH AND WELLBEING ALLIANCE
This funding supports 'Castle Hearts School of Art and Wellbeing', our regular creative programme working with adults with learning disabilities.
ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MUSEUMS & ARTS SCHOLARS TRUST
This grant has enabled us to improve the storage of our art collection and provide collections management training for our staff and volunteers.
ESSEX COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
This grant has enabled us to start running a creative project with clients of Open Road, a local drug and alcohol support service.
OUR VISITORS
We are grateful for all of the donations we receive from our visitors, big or small. Without your support we wouldn't be here.
The Minories is an arts charity and gallery in an historic townhouse in central Colchester. Our vision is 'Empowering our communities to access the life-changing power of art'
The Minories is formed of two connected charities. The building and collection of East Anglian Art is owned by the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation. The spaces and creative programme are run by the We are the Minories charity.
