Colchester born Clarence Victor Batte-Lay was an avid collector of paintings and furniture who died in 1935 and left his collection to his wife Margaret. On her death in 1955, her will directed that “an ancient building of antiquarian or archaeological interest” be bought in her late husband’s memory, to house and exhibit his collection “for the benefit and advantage of the inhabitants of Colchester”.

The Victor Batte-Lay Trust (now the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation) was created and The Minories, at the end of the High Street was purchased. In 1958, The Rt. Hon. R.A.Butler, Home Secretary and Sir Trenchard Cox, Director of the V & A museum, oversaw its official opening with a notable John Constable exhibition. The much altered medieval building, which was a private house originally, has served as an art gallery up to the present, although the permanent Collection of art works is stored separately.

Revenue and funding shortages have curtailed the Trust’s activities greatly in the recent past. However, with Foundation status, the current Directors are determined to revitalise and reaffirm the Collection as an important assemblage of art by locally and internationally acclaimed artists with a specific local relevance.

74 High Street Colchester is the major asset of the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation. It has long been an essential part of any visit to the town center, and in the warmer months it’s secluded garden is a particular delight. To discover its peace and calm for the first time is a memory that certainly seems to remain in many visitors’ hearts. Inside, in the galleries and reception rooms, elegant spaces can be found ideal for quiet, visual contemplation.