A Sudbury museum is celebrating 60 years since its formation with a number of diamond-themed fundraising events.
The Gainsborough’s House Society is planning a year of events to ensure the museum can continue to thrive in the future.
From sponsored walks to free entry days, businesses in and around Sudbury are stepping forward to support the charity’s events.
It is already set to be a big year for the museum with plans for the creation of a national centre for Thomas Gainsborough set to be realised.
The centre will include four new galleries – a Gainsborough gallery, a landscape studio and learning zone with panoramic views over Sudbury, a community gallery and a major exhibition gallery.
Mark Bills, director, said: “Our charity’s far-sighted founders of 1958 created the Gainsborough’s House Society to acquire the birthplace and childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough.
“Now, 60 years later in our diamond anniversary year we are at another major point in our charity’s history with the opportunity growing ever closer to transform Gainsborough’s House into the national centre for Thomas Gainsborough and importantly to ensure that it survives for at least another 60 years.”
Jonathan Lambert, proprietor of Jonathan Lambert Fine Jewellers of Sudbury and Lavenham, has pledged to donate a half-carat brilliant-cut diamond to the fundraising cause.
Mr Lambert said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the charity in its diamond anniversary year in such a fitting way.
“As a local businessman, I recognise the value of Gainsborough’s House in attracting more visitors to Sudbury and the surrounding villages – a benefit that will hugely increase with the charity’s plans to build a new national centre for Gainsborough.”
The half-carat diamond will be the star prize in the Gainsborough’s House ‘rolling raffle’ which launches at a diamond drinks party at Gainsborough’s House on April 14 - an event supported by another local business, The Swan at Long Melford.
Raffle tickets will be on sale at £5 each from Gainsborough’s House shop and the draw will take place on November 23.
Tickets for the Diamond Cocktail Party, which takes place at Gainsborough’s House at 7.30pm on April 14 are also on sale from Gainsborough’s House at £25 per person.
Visit www.gainsborough.org or telephone 01787 372958 for more details.
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