The Friends of Ipswich Museums are inviting you to become an angel.
The fund-raising campaign mirrors “Thomas Wolsey, Ipswich’s Greatest Son”, the major V&A exhibition featuring the magnificent angels once earmarked for Cardinal Wolsey’s tomb but then lost for centuries.
Bought for the nation by the V&A, they are on display from tomorrow (Saturday) in Wolsey’s home town of Ipswich (at Christchurch Mansion, to be precise) and the Friends have already launched their “Choirs of Angels” campaign to raise funds and profile for the Museums and their treasures.
Richard Wilson, Chair of the Friends, explained: “We are looking for support from public and businesses alike to enable the Borough Council to host magnificent exhibitions like this now and in the future. You can all play your part in making the Museum and Mansion even greater attractions by joining our ‘choir’ and becoming either Archangels, Angels, Seraphim or even Cherubim. This will enable us to continue to play a full part in supporting the Museums Service, acquiring more treasures and attracting more exhibitions.”
Archangels – business or household sponsors can pay £150 to achieve the premier ‘rank’ and also get free membership of the Friends for a year and invitations to the Tudor Christmas party.
Angels require a £50 contribution and also receive free membership and invitations to previews.
Just £25 awards you the badge of Seraphim, while you can nominate your children or grandchildren to become Cherubim for £15.
There is also a memorial angel scheme – for £10 you can remember a loved one.
All donors will be acknowledged by the Friends in their newsletter and online and, if donating early, will receive recognition at the exhibition.
The principal donors so far are The Lord Belstead Charitable Trust and Ipswich Decorative and Fine Arts Society.
The Friends of Ipswich Museums are a local charity and an important cog in the service. Councillor Carole Jones, the Borough’s museums portfolio-holder, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and friendly group who work very hard to support what we are all trying to do. They also run an active social scene, with trips and events, so I would recommend to people that they join in. In addition, I urge everyone to go along to the magnificent and free exhibition of the angels at the Mansion.”
To join the Choir of Angels go to https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/donate/the-friends-of-the-ipswich-museums and add a message saying what category you would like to be in.
If you would like to become a Friend go to www.foim.org.uk or, if you would like to become a Corporate Member, telephone the Vice-Chairman Denise Fiennes, on 0771 4000 169.
Thomas Wolsey: Ipswich’s Greatest Son is on at Christchurch Mansion from 14th October until March 2018. Entry is free.
CAPTION: Councillor Carole Jones with Museums Service Manager James Steward (left) and Richard Wilson outside the Wolsey Art Gallery at Christchurch Mansion
