Friends of the Harris exists to support the work of The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library.
Based in Preston, Lancashire, The Harris is a magnificent Grade I Listed Museum, Art Gallery & Library which first opened to the public in 1893 and celebrated its 130th birthday this year. The Friends of the Harris have been supporting the work of the Harris since 1974 through fundraising activities and advocacy.
In recent years, the Friends have funded a range of exhibitions, conservation and community-focussed work, and have generously contributed over £800,000 towards Harris Your Place, a major capital project taking place now to re-invigorate the Harris for future generations.
Friends of the Harris work closely with staff at The Harris to develop a fundraising strategy that can support the Harris’ exhibitions, projects and acquisitions.
The Friends’ income is made up from membership subscriptions, online and visitor donations, ticketed events and activities, and income generated from investing reserves.
There are currently over 300 members of the Friends, with plans to increase the number of members once the Harris reopens in 2025 with an attractive membership scheme that provides a range of benefits for members.
