AN exhibition has launched to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Warrington’s art gallery.

Warrington Art Treasures is the first in a series of displays marking important events in the history of Warrington Museum & Art Gallery.

This includes the opening of the Large Art Gallery in October 1877.

When the museum opened in Bold Street in 1857 it was also home to the Warrington School of Art.

The gallery was added to showcase the work of the school’s former pupils who had gained national and international acclaim and exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy.

The exhibition, which runs until April 21, coincides with celebrations for the Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary.

This takes place next year, highlighting Warrington’s link with the academy.

Janice Hayes, heritage manager for Culture Warrington, the charity which runs Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, explained the importance of marking such an occasion.

She said: “October 4 is a special date in our town’s history as it marks the official opening of the Large Art Gallery which houses fine art and contemporary collections.

“The museum and art gallery are an integral part of our town’s culture and heritage, and this anniversary is a great excuse to shout about our history and the amazing items we have in our collection.

“In the mid-nineteenth century the new borough of Warrington was emerging as a leading economic and cultural centre in the north west.

“Warrington Museum played a key role in ensuring that the town’s artists were also part of the national arts scene.

“These Victorian aspirations are mirrored by the ambition of contemporary Warrington to become a UK City of Culture.”

Before the opening of the art gallery, the Bold Street Grade II listed building was also home to Warrington School of Art from 1857.

The Warrington Art Treasures exhibition features work by the school’s most famous pupil.

Sir Luke Fildes progressed from illustrating for Charles Dickens and the 19th century newspaper The Graphic to become a leading social-realist artist.