A Big Thank You: How a local grant helped us shine brighter at Mill Tye Gallery

We’re thrilled to share some exciting developments at Mill Tye Gallery — all made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Rural Culture & Creativity Fund, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via HM Government.

Back in January, we applied for a grant to help us improve the visibility of the gallery and preserve our beautiful, historic home in the Bakers Mill building. We’re delighted to say our application was successful — and the results have already made a huge difference!

New signs at Mill Tye Gallery

A Sign of Things to Come

One of the biggest transformations has been the installation of a brand new sign outside the gallery. Positioned to help guide walkers along the Gainsborough Trail from Sudbury and motorists navigating the level crossing, the sign has made it far easier for new visitors to find us. And it’s working! We’ve seen a noticeable uptick in footfall — especially from holidaymakers staying at the Mill Hotel and exploring the scenic river path.

Breathing Life Into a Beautiful Building

The grant also allowed us to begin much-needed building maintenance work, including repairs to windows, guttering, bargeboards, and wooden trims — with roof repairs scheduled next. These improvements not only protect our heritage building but also create a more inviting experience for visitors. It’s all part of our mission to keep the gallery space vibrant, welcoming and alive with creativity.

Investing Back Into the Community

What makes us most proud is how this support has enabled us to give something back. Thanks to the boost in early sales — up 20% compared to last year — we’ve been able to sponsor Eleanor Mills, a talented emerging artist, to collaborate with Thomas Gainsborough School. Together, they’re running after-school art workshops for GCSE students, providing young people with creative inspiration and hands-on experience.

Sharing the Good News...

We’ve been sharing updates on our blog and social media. We believe in celebrating not just our growth, but the wider impact of supporting local arts and culture.

We’re incredibly grateful to Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and everyone involved in making this funding possible. It’s helped us do more than just improve a building — it’s helped us deepen our connection with our community and reach new audiences through creativity and collaboration.

We hope you’ll come and visit soon — whether you’re discovering us for the first time, or returning to see what’s new.

Thank you for being part of our story.