WHEN financier and art enthusiast Jonathan Ruffer learnt that a series of paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran was being sold off by the Church Commissioners his interest was piqued.

In 2012, he came to Bishop Auckland, bought the 13 lifesize figures and found that Auckland Castle came as part of the deal.

Zurbaran’s paintings of Jacob and his Twelve Sons – albeit one a copy Bishop Trevor commissioned after failing to buy the complete set at auction in 1756 – would prove to be the catalyst for a huge project with ambitions for an entire town.

Mr Ruffer put the paintings and the castle in trust for the people of the North-East and set up Auckland Castle Trust, which became the Auckland Project which aims to revitalise Bishop Auckland with the castle at its heart.

Liz Fisher, engagement and curatorial director at the Auckland Project, said, with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £150m has been invested in transforming castle into a visitor destination.

She said Mr Ruffer realised the town had fallen on difficult times and the castle– once home to the wealthy and influential Prince Bishops – could help it prosper again.

“For the past six-and-a-half years the Project has worked hand-in-hand with the community, partnered with businesses, held events and activities, we’ve a community education team and a hugely successful apprenticeship programme to help link the castle and 900 years of history with the community,” Miss Fisher said.

For three years, the castle has been closed to the public whilst major renovation was underway.

 

 

During that time the Zurbarans were packed up and shipped around the world.

First they travelled to the US, where they were the focus of an in-depth technical and art historical study at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The work unlocked secrets about their creation for the first time, proving the Spanish master was involved in every stage of their painting and the one was painted on a canvas originally adorned with a picture of the Virgin Mary.

They then went on display at two American museums – the Meadows Museum in Dallas and the Frick Collection in New York – before making their way to the Israel Museum, Jerusalem to raise the profile and understanding of Spanish art.

And so it is vital that they have returned to the castle Long Dining Room to be exhibited in all their glory once more.

Mr Ruffer said: “Bishop Auckland is a small town with a big history and even bigger ambitions, and Auckland Castle lies at the heart of its story. I’m pleased that anyone can now come and visit this historic building and discover the rich tales and treasures of our shared history. The Castle was the starting point for the journey of The Auckland Project and its wider purpose, historically the people of Bishop Auckland served the Castle – but now it’s the other way round.”