Wakefield Historical Society has sent £500, as agreed at the AGM, to the V&A for the fundraising to keep this sculpture in the UK, together with £1,000 donated by two Society members.
We have also pursued publicising this important piece of Wakefield’s history. Thanks to Cllr Olivia Rowley, MP Simon Lightwood has met the Director of the V&A, and written to the Art Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund to ask for their assistance, and also written to Lord Parkinson, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Arts and Heritage to ask what assistance the Government can provide.
As expected, Wakefield Council is unable to contribute to the fundraising, but Cllr Michelle Collins, Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, confirms that the museum is able to use social media channels to promote the campaign, and will help to raise awareness of it locally.
There is still time to make a contribution. Even a small amount would show big fund givers that it isn’t just museum curators who care about this.
To donate go to: https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/donation