Oglesbys honoured by Prince Charles for support of arts
BRUNTWOOD chairman Michael Oglesby and his wife Jean have received a special award from Prince Charles for their contribution to the arts.
The couple from Bowdon near Altrincham, are among just five recipients of The Prince of Wales Medal for Arts Philanthropy when they attended a ceremony at Clarence House on Thursday.
The honour recognises their contribution to arts organisations across the North West.
Through sponsorship from Michael’s commercial property business Bruntwood and the work of the Oglesby Charitable Trust, they have supported organisations including the Hallé Orchestra, Chethams School of Music, the Library Theatre, The Lowry, The Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester International Festival.
The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, which has become a leading playwriting competition, is the result of their long relationship with Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.
Michael Oglesby said “Jean and I are dedicated to supporting the arts and encouraging creativity. In these difficult economic times the partnership between companies and individuals on the one hand, and arts organisations on the other, is absolutely critical and will only work if everyone works together and becomes completely involved in projects,”
Sir Mark Elder, music director at the Hallé, said of the Oglesbys: “It’s not just money, that’s what’s so important to emphasise about Michael and Jean. They both give time as well as funds to support what they believe in. What they have done for the cultural life of Manchester is outstanding.”
