Join financier, art collector and philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer for an in-conversation event as we explore the power of philanthropy to transform places. Discover why and how he became involved in a regeneration project to turn around the fortunes of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area, once the seat of the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham.
What first prompted him to acquire Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbaran’s set of extraordinary paintings of Jacob and his sons? Why did he then go on to build a multi-faceted visitor offering that now extends from a historic palace and fort, an art gallery and a faith museum to a mining art museum, a 16-mile-long functioning railway and a spectacular open-air ‘epic tale of England’ that plays to audiences of thousands?
Our discussion will explore the successes and challenges of The Auckland Project and unveil the next stages of the ambitious £200 million initiative, followed by a Q&A.
‌Find out more about The Auckland Project by visiting: aucklandproject.org/