Appeal to help preserve Gainsborough collection

Thomas Gainsborough was one of the leading artists of the 18th Century

The birthplace of 18th Century artist Thomas Gainsborough has launched an appeal to help preserve its collection of "culturally significant" works.

Gainsborough's House in Sudbury, Suffolk, looks after dozens of the painter's portraits, landscapes and artefacts.

The museum wants to raise £8,000 to create an art store to help it rotate and restore its collection, and a study room to aid research.

"It's completely important for the county, for Gainsborough's House, and for the nation - these artworks must be preserved," said marketing officer Lex Gortsilas.

The museum would like to offer visitors a chance to see other works in its collection

Assistant curator Mahaut de La Motte said the art store would allow researchers to look at works not on permanent display, including drawings vulnerable to light exposure.

While none of its works needed "immediate attention", she added, the team could inspect paintings and rotate them, to ensure displays regularly changed.

'Stories continue to be told'

"This space is really quite magnificent and it really puts into context how incredible Gainsborough was," added Ms Gortsilas, who described him as one of the greatest British artists of all time.

"We have a lot of culturally significant artists in our collection, and especially those that are significant to the county.

"We want to ensure that future generations are able experience that and the stories can continue to be told."

The museum has already secured a £10,000 grant, with an update on the public appeal expected later this month.

"Hopefully that will show the community how important this project is and how much we appreciate their support," said Ms Gortsilas.

The museum says it looks after hundreds more "treasures" designed by artists who have important links with Gainsborough and with the county.

The 18th Century Merchant House became a museum in 1961