Barnsley’s Radical Collector: The Sadler Gift from Turner to Bloomsbury
Barnsley’s Radical Collector: The Sadler Gift from Turner to Bloomsbury
From the remarkable art collection at The Cooper Gallery, experience an exhibition featuring instinctive sketches, atmospheric watercolours and bold modern paintings.
Barnsley's Radical Collector features artworks by renowned British artists, such as Edward Wadsworth, Jacob Kramer, Vanessa Bell and many more.
This collection of British art, dating from the 1750s to the 1930s, was gifted by Sir Michael Ernest Sadler in the 1930s in memory of his wife, Mary Ann.
We are delighted to also welcome on loan paintings and drawings from the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds, all gifted by Sadler in 1923. These works focus on the strong and experimental work of Bloomsbury artists and the beautiful sketches of Bernard Meninsky.
Research on the collection took place in 2024 and 2025, with an online catalogue of all artworks being created. This has been funded by the Trustees of The Cooper Gallery and Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.
To help plan your day out with us, please check our Visit Page for our opening times.
Pleasure of Collecting
Join us for an exciting exhibition upstairs in the Sadler Room.
From Saturday, 19 July 2025, until Saturday, 3 January 2026, The Pleasure of Collecting will feature various artefacts and objects from artist Amanda Stoner's personal collection.
The Pleasure of Collecting is an exhibition of works from Amanda Stoner's personal collection.
Amanda's passion for collecting, which was inspired by working at the Cooper Gallery, has brought together a unique collection of pieces, including art, ceramics and jewellery on public display for the first time.
The Sadler Room is occasionally closed to the public for a private event. Please contact us before making a special visit to see the exhibition. coopergallery@barnsley.gov.uk 01226 775678.