The Storey (Institute)

Philanthropy was a feature of the Victorian era and Thomas Storey, Lancaster oilcloth tycoon, was a man of his time. He commissioned the construction of the Storey Institute to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, in 1891 gifting the building to the people of Lancaster, England for their cultural benefit. The Storey Institute gave a major lift to the growing city, boasting an art gallery, technical and art schools, a museum and library.The now famous art gallery opened with a bang, featuring work by Gainsborough, Constable, and Canaletto. Subsequent exhibitions have featured work by, amongst others, Picasso, Matisse, Gillian Ayres, Andy Goldsworthy, Anthony Green, Albert Irvin, Michael Kenny, Sophie Ryder and Basil Beatie. Storey included a beautiful walled garden in his plans which remained an integral part of the Institute. In the late 1990s the garden became the venue for ‘The Tasting Garden’, and installation by Mark Dion.The Storey has its own, very special place in Lancaster's history. Lancaster Girls Grammar School was founded in the Institute in 1907 and many of the town's tradesmen learned their craft in the technical college. Lancaster boasts a number of excellent artists, many spawned by the Storey Art College – a number of the technical college's pupils recall sneaking up to the top floor of the building to catch a glimpse of the life classes held there!During World War II, the Institute played its part in the war effort, producing parachutes and. around this time, the gallery came into its own as a music venue, sometimes featuring Britain's answer to Frank Sinatra – Frankie Vaughan. The intervening years saw a decline in the use of the Storey. Although it remained a place for education and research it became sidelined by the introduction of the University and local colleges.In 1992 the Storey gallery was re-launched by group of Lancaster's artists and, over the next decade, Folly digital arts and Litfest became resident in the building, later followed by Luneside Artists cooperative.Today sees a new chapter in the same old Storey. Central to Lancaster's artistic, technical and scientific innovation for 130 years the grade two listed Storey Institute has been remodelled as a purpose-designed centre for the creative industries ensuring the building retains its prominent position while fulfilling the expectations of the 21st century creative industry The Storey is where art and industry spark. Set in the heart of Lancaster's conservation area, opposite Lancaster Castle, famed for many infamous cases, including the Pendle witch trials and near to the Priory where George Fox preached before his arrest. On a clear day you can see the whole of Morecambe Bay, from Blackpool to Barrow, via the Lakes. The Storey Garden is now home to the permanent, contemporary installation by Mark Dion. All there is to disturb the relaxing environment is the birdsong and squirrels.