News

Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Turner Contemporary next Friday (11 November)

The Turner Contemporary since opening in April this year has become a blueprint for arts led regeneration.

The visit caps a hugely successful opening seven months for Turner Contemporary which has already received over 300,000 visits, double the annual forecast, and is on course to finish the year as one of the South East’s biggest tourist attractions.

The gallery has already established an international profile, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond to this historic seaside town, putting it firmly back on the map and bringing significant economic benefits to local businesses.

The Old Town of Margate, situated close to Turner Contemporary has received a massive economic boost from visitors to the gallery. In the last 18 months alone, 35 new businesses have opened up in Margate’s Old Town and the lower end of the High Street, defying the downturn in the national economic situation.

Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary said: “We have had a fantastic response from our visitors, who have travelled from far and wide to Margate to experience the gallery and the art we have on display for free here. We know the positive benefits we have already brought to the local economy, and I am delighted that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will be able to witness this impact for themselves.”

John Kampfner, Chair of Turner Contemporary said: “The visit of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh is a moment to celebrate for Turner Contemporary and the town, and confirms our status as a leader in our field and a gallery of international status.”

On her visit to the gallery, Her Majesty The Queen will meet with key members of staff including gallery Director, Victoria Pomery and Chair, John Kampfner. On her tour of the gallery she will be introduced to artist Tracey Emin and architect Sir David Chipperfield, as well as hearing from local school children and participants from a number of community projects run by the gallery.

Tracey Emin said: "The visit of Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to Turner Contemporary is not just a great moment for Margate but a major acknowledgement for British contemporary art. And it's so exciting - Margate's on the map again."

The Royal visitors will be given a tour of the current exhibition, Nothing in the World But Youth, containing works and themes of since the recent riots and discussions around Youth in society. They will also be able to enjoy Rodin’s The Kiss, on display outside London for only the third time ever.

This is the first time since 1993 that Her Majesty has visited Margate. Before visiting Turner Contemporary the Queen will tour the Old Town and meet local businesses to see for herself the impact of the gallery and to learn about future plans for the town.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©