Learn more about the Barber Association

The Barber Association

Lady Barber’s dream was to found an arts institute for the University of Birmingham – a gallery and concert hall to be used ‘in perpetuity for the study and encouragement of art and music’.  Its art collection should be ‘of that standard of quality required by the National Gallery and the Wallace Collection’.  Her foresight, and her generous legacy, led to the establishment of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

Since its foundation in 1932, the Barber has gone from strength to strength.  As well as being one of the leading UK university centres of study for art history and music, it has established itself as one of the finest small public art galleries in Europe. It is home to a world-class art collection, stages compelling exhibitions, runs a highly acclaimed concert programme and delivers a thriving engagement programme for all ages.

We are very grateful to our Barber Association Members and Patrons – and to those who make donations, or remember us in their wills – for their generous support.  They help us to enhance our learning programmes, expand our collections, and improve our facilities.  If art and music are important to you, please consider joining the Barber Association.  By doing this you will help us in our ambition to bring art and music to ever wider audiences.

We hope you will join us.

Sir Dominic Cadbury
President, The Barber Association

Join the Association

Find out more about becoming a Member or Patron.

If you are interested in learning more about the Association, please contact our Membership Officer, on association@barber.org.uk.