Ronnie Duncan

Born in Otley, Yorkshire in 1929, Ronnie worked in his family wool mill and converted it into a high quality riverside office park when manufacturing stopped in the 1970’s. Ronnie was introduced to art collecting by his contact with a number of The Gregory Fellows, artists in residence at the University of Leeds, in the 1960’s. His friendships with members of the St Ives artistic community led him to create a collection of their art including works by Roger Hilton, Alan Davie, Alfred Wallis and Terry Frost. His collection, all bought “more for love than money” has grown over the past 70 years to include many other modern British artists (notably Ian Hamilton Finlay), and also African tribal works.

Ronnie’s own “great work” has been the row of stone cottages outside Otley in The West Riding of Yorkshire which he has converted into a home for himself and his art. Compared to (and partly inspired by) Kettles Yard, his collection sits organically here in these cottages which nestle in the Dales. Outside, the garden is of stone and has become an homage to Ian Hamilton Finlay and Andy Goldsworthy.

Ronnie set up The Foundation in 2008 and continues to endow it with investments and works of art.

Photographs: Simon Warner