An additional Sea of Hull image, by Spencer Tunick, will join the Ferens Art Gallery’s permanent collection as a result of generous donations made by the public with the support of the Friends of the Ferens.
Three artworks were on display as part of the dramatic SKIN exhibition last year, and now a fourth image with join the collection as a fantastic reminder of that unique day on Saturday 9 July 2016 when Hull made worldwide headlines.
Tunicks aerial shot of the award-winning Scale Lane Bridge filled with striking blue nudes was chosen by the participants and the wider public during the exhibition, and by an online vote.
Councillor Terry Geraghty, Hull City Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism and Chair of Hull Culture & Leisure Limited, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution and supported our ambition to acquire a fourth piece of work from the Ferens commission. We are also very fortunate and grateful to have received funding from the Friends of the Ferens to help with the purchase.
“To add a further work by this international artist to our permanent collection is great news for the gallery and art lovers. It will go on display alongside Tunicks other stunning images of the city, highlighting a wider variety of the locations where 3,200 people posed, creating the UK’s largest ever nude installation.”
Kirsten Simister, Curator of Art at the Ferens Art Gallery, said: “We are delighted with the positive response from the public and incredibly grateful for all the support we have received throughout this incredible experience. We are thrilled to be able to add a further piece of amazing work to our collection. This commission has been a huge success, enriching the Ferens collection and adding to a new chapter in the history of the city in a way that exceeded everyones expectations. I hope Tunicks works will continue to provide inspiration and enjoyment for generations to come.”
Plans are underway to display the new acquisition, with the three original purchases made by Tunick, in August this year.