A BENEVOLENT woman from Willesden has donated a large amount of art to a university.

Sarah Rose, 82, gave her collection of works by artist David Bomberg to the London South Bank University.

She had over 100 works in her possession by the man who is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most important British artists and art teachers.

He exhibited with the Borough Group of artists, which was formed in 1946 at the London South Bank University.

Ms Rose said: “I realised that if there was to be a comprehensive, permanent collection in London I would have to do it myself, especially if it was to include the still undeservedly neglected works that truly exemplified Bomberg’s legendary teaching at the Borough Polytechnic.”

While working as a full-time personal assistant, Ms Rose drove a cab for three nights a week in order to pay for more and more pieces of Bomberg’s work.

A new gallery space has been created at the university, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to house the Sarah Rose Collection, which dates from 1913 to 2009, and to engage Londoners with the art.

Other artists such as Dennis Creffield, Cliff Holden, Thomas Holden and Evert Lundqvist will also be on display.

Ms Rose said: “I made this collection because it is work not given its due in any existing institution. This collection provides evidence of his success in the work of a group of 20th century artists, developing individually, but within this tradition.”

University professor Andrew Dewdney said: “I am both delighted and proud that London South Bank University has given a permanent home to the Sarah Rose collection of works by David Bomberg and some of his students.

“The collection contains over 100 works and demonstrates David Bomberg’s approach to painting and his commitment as a teacher, as well as the unique vision of the single collector Sarah Rose. The gallery and its educational projects will now make this collection of post-war British figurative art public for the first time.”

l The Borough Road Gallery opened its doors on June 23. Opening hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 1pm to 5pm and Saturdays noon to 5pm. See www.boroughroadgallery.co.uk.