Philanthropy was a feature of the Victorian era and Thomas Storey, Lancaster oilcloth tycoon, was a man of his time. He commissioned the construction of the Storey Institute to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, in 1891 gifting the building to the people of Lancaster, England for their cultural benefit.
The Storey Institute gave a major lift to the growing city, boasting an art gallery, technical and art schools, a museum and library.
The now famous art gallery opened with a bang, featuring work by Gainsborough, Constable, and Canaletto. Subsequent exhibitions have featured work by, amongst others, Picasso, Matisse, Gillian Ayres, Andy Goldsworthy, Anthony Green, Albert Irvin, Michael Kenny, Sophie Ryder and Basil Beattie.
In the late 1990s the adjoining garden became the venue for The Tasting Garden, an environmental artwork by American artist Mark Dion.
The Storey Institute has its own, special place in Lancaster's history. Lancaster Girls Grammar School was founded in the Institute in 1907 and many of the town's tradesmen learned their craft in the technical college. Lancaster boasts a number of excellent artists, many spawned by Lancaster Art College, which was in the Storey Institute.
During World War II, the Institute played its part in the war effort, taking evacuees from southern England. The gallery was used as a music and dance venue, sometimes featuring Britain's answer to Frank Sinatra – Frankie Vaughan.
In 1991 the Storey Gallery was re-launched by a group of Lancaster's artists.
Today sees a new chapter for the Storey Institute. Central to Lancaster's artistic, technical and scientific innovation for 130 years the grade two listed Storey Institute has been refurbished as a centre for the creative industries ensuring the building retains its prominent position while fulfilling the expectations of the 21st century.
The Storey Institute is in the heart of Lancaster's conservation area, opposite Lancaster Castle, famed for many infamous cases, including the Pendle witch trials and near to the Priory where George Fox preached before his arrest.
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