THE Friends of York Art Gallery have donated £180,000 towards the gallery’s appeal to buy one of York artist Albert Moore’s finest works.

A Reverie sees Moore at the height of his powers and is considered to be his most significant work still in private hands.

The Friends’ donation, which includes bequests of £160,000 and £20,000, will be put towards the £3.6 million total needed to buy the painting. They have also agreed to continue to fundraise to help the gallery reach its target.

Peter Gibbard, chairman of the Friends of York Art Gallery, said: “A Reverie is quintessential Moore, a stunning masterpiece of design and execution. Very few (of his paintings) now remain outside museums and this may be the last opportunity for York Art Gallery to secure one of this quality and size, which the leading Moore scholar Robyn Asleson calls ‘perhaps his most important picture still in private hands’.

“We are proud to support this campaign to try and ensure it has a permanent home in York where it would honour the memory of a great Yorkshireman. The success of this acquisition would also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Friends’ commitment to art in York.”

Rebecca Williams, fundraising manager for York Museums Trust, said: “We are thrilled that the Friends of York Art Gallery have made such a significant pledge towards the purchase of this hugely important work.

“It is incredibly important to have the support of organisations in the city like the Friends, so we can show there is a real appetite for this wonderful painting to have a permanent home here in York, Moore’s home city.”

The painting is being sold by Agnews Gallery in London on behalf of an international private owner. York Art Gallery’s fundraising team are now working on securing further funding by applying to funding bodies including the Heritage Lottery Fund but public donations are welcome. If anyone would like to get in touch please email Rebecca.williams@ymt.org.uk