The collection of threatened Zurbaran paintings at Auckland Castle have been saved thanks to a £15million donation from a locally born millionaire.
The Church Commissioners announced on Wednesday 30th March that they are working towards a new future for Auckland Castle.
The proposals have been made possible thanks to the donation from investment manager, Jonathan Ruffer, via The Zurbaran Trust – a new charitable trust set up to ensure the 17th century paintings remain in the town.
It is intended that Auckland Castle shall become a leading public heritage site, bringing tourism and economic regeneration to the North East. In addition, early conversations are taking place involving the National Trust and Durham County Council regarding opening up the historic castle and its grounds to provide much greater public access – although further funding needs to be found in order to achieve this. Discussions are also taking place with the Department for Media, Culture & Sport and The Art Fund, as well as the National Gallery regarding possible loans from the National Collection.
Welcoming the Commissioners’ public statement Durham County Council leader Cllr Simon Henig said, “In recent months we have been in discussion with the Commissioners and the National Trust to consider a future for Auckland Castle which would put this fabulous asset at the heart of regeneration proposals for the county.
“I believe we now have a once in a lifetime chance to secure a future for the Zurbarans at Auckland Castle and ensure both can be enjoyed by a wider public audience.”
The council is currently leading on two important pieces of work involving Auckland Castle.
The first is a ‘Statement of Significance,’ which will establish what is special about the castle; it’s importance as an historic and cultural centre.
The second is an ‘options study’ of the castle and its grounds. This is being undertaken to establish the possibilities these assets may offer in the future. Both are to be completed before the summer.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
