The Cooper Gallery, which received a £638,000 HLF grant in 2014 for much-needed conservation work, celebrated the opening with a fun-filled day of activities and gallery tours.

Visitors had the chance to take a look around the transformed galleries and explore the recently constructed outdoor space. The HLF-supported restoration work has doubled the size of gallery space to display more of the Cooper Collection, which includes fine works of art amassed by the wealthy philanthropists of Barnsley’s industrial past.

Paul Elmhirst, chairman of the Cooper Art Collection Trust, said: “This joint project could not have happened without the substantial grant and equally valuable guidance received from HLF. Visitors will be able to see much more of the art collection and remember the generosity of a few local individuals who took an interest in providing their community with its own art gallery."

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Cooper Gallery is a significant part of the local heritage of Barnsley. HLF is pleased to have supported the restoration work and celebrates the opening of the new and improved gallery space.”

More on the Cooper Gallery

The Cooper Gallery will be hosting a regular programme of contemporary exhibitions and events. To find out more please visit the Cooper Gallery website.

HLF support for Barnsley

Over the years HLF has awarded over £29million to heritage projects in Barnsley. Thanks to National Lottery players, the Cooper Gallery is one of many diverse projects to receive HLF support, other projects include:

Experience Barnsley

Experience Barnsley received an HLF grant of over £2m to rejuvenate the local town hall, creating a space dedicated to the history and people of Barnsley.

Our Club, Our Ground, Our Past, Our Future

Thanks to an HLF grant, Reds in the Community will highlight the heritage of Barnsley Football Club in 2017, marking 130 years since Barnsley Football Club was formed and 20 years since the club’s historic promotion to the Premier League.

Flour Power at Worsbrough Mill

The 17th century Grade II* listed working flour mill contains collections of machinery and objects relating to the production of flour on site for generations. With HLF support, a wide range of learning and volunteering opportunities have been created on the local nature reserve site.

Biodiversity in Schools

Barnsley Biodiversity Trust used their HLF grant to introduce thousands of children, teachers and parents to the rich tapestry of nature in their own back yard.