The appeal to save Prospect Cottage, the home of late artist Derek Jarman, has successfully met its £3.5m goal. The campaign launched 10 weeks ago with the help of leading figures from the creative industries such as Tilda Swinton and Wolfgang Tillmans and drew in over 8,100 donations from the public in addition to major grants from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund and the Linbury Trust. Artists such as Clare Twomey, Peter Fillingham and Isaac Julien gave works and experiences as rewards in return for donations.
Stephen Deuchar, Director of Art Fund, thanked the individuals, institutions and advocates who helped with the campaign stating: ‘Securing the future of Prospect Cottage may seem a minor thing by comparison with the global epidemic crisis which has recently enveloped all our lives. But Derek Jarman’s final years at the Cottage were an inspiring example of human optimism, creativity and fortitude battling against the ravages of illness, and in that context the success of this campaign seems all the more apposite and right for its time.’
The cottage in Dungeness, Kent, was at risk of being sold privately but now with the funds from the campaign, Art Fund will purchase the cottage from Keith Collins Will Trust. This will allow the establishment of a permanent public programme, the conservation and maintenance of the building, its collection, its contents and its renowned garden.
01 April 2020
