Picture the scene - 2nd March, 1989
The bitterly cold, empty and neglected 'Promenade Room' of Harrogate's derelict 'Old Town Hall'... hole in the ceiling and just two bare light bulbs hanging down. Now imagine it come nightfall.... industrial heaters blowing, a carefully placed bucket, tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery all borrowed from the neighbouring Crown Hotel, magnificent civic silver gleaming, candlesticks and candelabra aglow - and a lavish 5-course banquet being served to eager paying guests! This unique event was the original Appeal launched by a group of volunteers, led by Judith Thomas, to raise enough monies to create a fitting new Gallery for the Harrogate District.
Back further to 1805
The 'Promenade Room' was built so visitors could 'take the waters under cover on a wet day. Superseded by new Spa Rooms, it was converted into a Theatre and boasted celebrities of the day such as Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry. But a bigger better theatre was built elsewhere so the building became the Town Hall. Next, a 'bigger better' town hall was built nearby! Finally reduced to being merely the Rates Office - now with false walls and ceilings concealing the once exquisite plaster decoration, it gradually slipped into decline.
Time Passed
The Council paid to convert the basement into proper storage for the town's collection of Art, which had till then been inadequately housed in the Library. The ground floor, in its dire state, was given to the then Curator, Pat Clegg, to turn into a Gallery. And so it was that the success of that unforgettable candlelit dinner, the committee's enormously hard work, and a generous gift from the Mercer family, at last made the vision become reality, and some two years later, the new 'Mercer Art Gallery' was opened by the Earl of Harewood.
In 1992, The 'Friends' Were Formed
The 'Friends' were formed to support financially, and through an ongoing plan of popular activities organised by their dedicated committee, well over £300,000 has so far been raised. These funds have helped towards further improvements to the Main Gallery; the conversion of the 'North Gallery' space; a newly-designed Studio space; production of the comprehensive Catalogue of Harrogate's Fine Art Collections; outstanding Exhibitions and Book publications; as well as the purchase of fine bespoke Furniture; and acquisition of many important Artworks.
The Young Friends
In 2012, the 'Young Friends' were born to encourage future generations to continue the vital support of the Gallery.
Nowadays, the Mercer combines the smart, modern style of today with the elegance of yesteryear. And all our Members feel justly proud of Harrogate's highly acclaimed Gallery.
In 2020 Judith Thomas stepped down as Chair after thirty years of service and commitment. We are so grateful for everything she has done for the Friends of the Mercer Gallery.
Julie Goldsmith has taken over as Chair and the committee continues to carry out work to enhance the Harrogate Arts and Merer Gallery Development Trust.
Current Committee
- Chair: Tom King
- Treasurer: Paul Greening
- Deputy Chair: Perveen Aslam
- Marion Hancock
- Clare Hunter
- Emily Ogden
- Sarah McHale
- Paula Russell