Arts philanthropists honoured by Prince of Wales
The achievements of arts philanthropists were recognised this month at an awards ceremony at Clarence House. Mike and Jean Oglesby, Lady Hobson, Jonathan Ruffer, Lloyd Dorfman and Theresa Sackler received the Prince of Wales Medal for Arts Philanthropy from Prince Charles, in his capacity as president of Arts & Business, an organisation that encourages business sponsorship of the Arts.
A panel consisting of writer Sir Ronald Harwood, director of the Royal Ballet Dame Monica Mason and artist Christopher Le Brun selected the winners from a shortlist of 25 philanthropists drawn up by The Prince of Wales’ Arts Advisory Group.
Commenting on the winners, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “This year’s recipients of the Prince of Wales Medal are role models for us all. This is fitting recognition for their profound generosity over many years and across the entire nation. When I see how artists, audiences and our cultural heritage benefit from their support, I am optimistic for the future of philanthropy in this country.”
Arts & Business chief executive Colin Tweedy said: “It is always vital to honour the remarkable commitment of individuals who have the love and compassion to allow the arts to flourish for future generations. Throughout history, these individuals have prevented a dark shadow falling over our cultural world and these philanthropists are the cornerstones for growth of our cultural community.”
Medal winners
Lloyd Dorfman is the philanthropist behind the Travelex tickets scheme at the National Theatre. Over nine years, 1.2m tickets have been bought - almost a third by people who had never visited the National Theatre before. Dorfman started Travelex his currency exchange business with a single shop in central London. His company has since been valued at more than £1bn. He is also a significant donor to The Royal Opera House, the Southbank, the Royal Court, the Donmar Warehouse, the Royal Ballet School, Sadlers Wells and the Roundhouse.
Fund manager Jonathan Ruffer gave the Church of England £15m in exchange for a collection of paintings by the 17th century Spanish artist Zubaran. He then set up the Zurbaran Trust that means they can continue to be displayed in Auckland Castle in Durham, where they have hung since 1756. The money has enabled the church to expand its pastoral work in the region. The castle is now run as an arts and heritage centre with the help of the Rothschild Foundation and the National Trust.
Lady Marina Hobson has supported the Royal Opera House for over 12 years, funding core as well as production costs. She has provided scholarships for young dancers and supported the Royal Ballet’s Chance to Dance programme, giving more than 20,000 children a chance to try ballet. The Royal Opera House chief executive Lord Hall says: “When she makes a gift to us? she says, ‘You must use it as you think best. You’re the people who are running the organisation.’ I have to say that is rare, and it’s amazingly trusting.”
Michael and Jean Oglesby have been staunch supporters of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre for 35 years. Through their property business, Bruntwood, they have also provided sponsorship for a wide range of arts events and venues including the Manchester International Festival, the Cheetham’s School of Music and the Lowry Centre. They are both hands-on philanthropists, giving advice on managing buildings, meeting young people attending courses and attending events.
Theresa Sackler supports a wide range of arts organisations in London including the Old Vic, the National Gallery and the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Through the Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Charitable Foundation, she also helps to fund galleries abroad such as The Guggenheim, the Louvre and Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is a trustee and sits on the education advisory committee of the Dulwich Picture Gallery.
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