The Lytham St Annes Art Collection is one of the most significant Town Hall collections in the country. On 29 June 1925 the first painting was presented to the Council by John Booth (1856-1941), son of Edwin Henry Booth (1829-1899), who founded the eponymous grocery business which still operates across the North West today. Booth donated The Herd Lassie (1876) by Richard Ansdell (1815-1885) to the townspeople of Lytham St Annes and wished for it to be ‘a nucleus for the formation of an art gallery’ and hoped that it would promote the cultural significance of the thriving town. This generous donation set a precedent that inspired eminent residents to donate artworks, the most prolific of which was Alderman James Herbert Dawson (1867-1963) who donated over 50 artefacts to the Collection.

Legacy: Donor Spotlight shines a light on the key figures, past and present, who have played a significant role in the formation and development of the Lytham St Annes Art Collection.

The free to visit, first floor Fylde Gallery at Lytham Hall is open Thursdays to Saturdays 11am to 4pm, with donations welcome which are reinvested back into the art collection. Please note opening times over the Christmas period may vary – check via 01253 736652