BLANK cards have been filled with messages about the importance of art to celebrate a milestone anniversary.

The Christ Church picture gallery in Oxford was given the oldest collection of art – of more than 200 paintings and almost 2,000 drawings – 250 years ago.

General John Guise bequeathed his collection back in 1765.

To celebrate the anniversary blank cards were sent to members of the Christ Church community, including artists, scholars and students, with the request they write down their personal thoughts about why art matters.

Jacqueline Thalmann, curator of the gallery, said: “To me, art is so important because it’s a complete equaliser.

“Although it can cost a lot of money to buy art, anybody of any age, sex or wealth can go to a gallery and simply enjoy it.”

The 46-year-old said: “I’m quite overwhelmed by the responses as they are from such a wide demographic, including young children and the elderly. One of my favourites is from a young child and it simply says: ‘Art is fun fun fun’.”

Workers have begun installing these cards in the gallery, with one for each year since the donation of the collection.

Ms Thalmann added: “So much money is invested into health and education, yet very little is invested into art.”

If you would like to join in with the project, which runs until October 12, email the gallery on picturegallery@chch.ox.ac.uk