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Lady Barber. The Center for the Arts, ahead of its time

Exhibition February 11 − June 12, 2022
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is holding an exhibition devoted to 90th anniversary of the Barber Fine Arts Center, the first of its kind in Britain.

Lady Barber, born Martha Constance Hattie Onions (1869-1933), came from a wealthy family in Worcestershire who made their money in the fur business. Her father supported her hobbies and allowed her to study piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her husband, Henry, shared some of her interests and provided the funds to pursue their dream of founding the Art Institute.

Lady Barber's role as a founding woman should be noted. No other woman had such direct and formal influence on the cultural institution at the time.

Prepared according to the materials of the website Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham.