The Minories, Victor Batte-Lay Foundation

Victor Batte-Lay Foundation

Open to the public

Museum or gallery in Essex

24 artworks

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The Victor Batte-Lay Collection is a fascinating collection of paintings, engravings and sculptures by artists of national and international renown such as John Constable, Camille Pissarro, Eduardo Paolozzi, John and Paul Nash and Maggi Hambling among others. It was started by an avid art collector Victor Batte-Lay, a hereditary Freeman whose ancestors can be traced back to the days of the bay trade. His widow donated the collection at her death in 1955, a trust was then founded and a venue acquired. This venue was The Minories, a listed Georgian building in the centre of historical Colchester. The Minories was opened as a gallery in 1958 by the then Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Sir T. C. Cox and Mr R. A. Butler, the then Secretary of State. The collection has now expanded and includes works by modern artists such as William Ratcliffe and Humphrey Spender. It gives an insight into East Anglian culture and provides inspiration for future generations. Some of these works are occasionally on display locally and further afield and a detailed researched catalogue can be accessed through its website.

The Minories 74 High St, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UG England

07541311027

The Victor Batte-Lay Collection is not on public display. It is kept by Colchester and Ipswich Museums Services in Colchester. If you would like to view any particular painting(s), please contact the Museum Resource Centre, which will be happy to give you access to it.

https://www.vblfcollection.org.uk