Mission
When one imagines Great Britain, visions appear of medieval castles
dotting the countryside, stone abbeys with elaborate stained glass,
and ancestral palaces filled with fine art and antiques. This historical
legacy is rich in tradition, history and artistry. Famous architects
like Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren and John Nash, and artists such
as Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and John Singer Sargent all
contributed to this beautiful legacy. While they are some of the most
well-known, many artists have left their mark on Britain’s cultural
canvas.
As centuries pass, time takes its toll on these masterpieces. Being
subjected to harsh weather, wars, pollution and old-age, these buildings,
monuments and pieces of art become damaged and worn. The responsibility
of maintaining these masterpieces is both financially and physically
exhausting.
After discovering that historic art and architecture across Great Britain
was in peril and in need of restoration, Dr. Michael Ridgdill founded
American Friends of British Art to help ease the financial burden of
preserving this rich cultural and artistic heritage. While our mission
is the preservation and restoration of historically significant art
and architecture within Great Britain, our mission extends to increase
the awareness of the need for such preservation. With the exorbitant
costs of maintaining and restoring historic works, American Friends
of British Art will provide those in need with financial assistance
toward their restoration projects. America’s ancestral ties with
Great Britain make it an honor to assist in preserving their nation’s
treasures, because after all, British history is American history. With
your interest and generous contributions, American Friends of British
Art will preserve this rich heritage for future generations of tourists,
art enthusiasts, and historians to savor.
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