A MAJOR new Tate acquisition is to head a special exhibit at Southampton City Art Gallery. William Stott of Oldham’s painting Le Passeur (The Ferryman) will be the star of the British Impressionism exhibition, which opens on September 14. Stott’s piece is considered a key moment in the breakthrough of British Art to naturalism and established Stott as one of the most progressive British artists of his day. It is set to be displayed as part of a UK wide tour in partnership with Tate, after being secured for the British public with funds provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Art Fund and The Hintze Family Charitable Foundation. This exhibition will show Stott in the company of those who, like him, contributed to the development of British Naturalism and Impressionism. This exhibition has been guest curated by Professor Sam Smiles and will include significant additional loans from Russell-Cotes, Southwark Art Collection, Tate, Towner Art Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum. Lead Exhibitions Officer Dan Matthews, Southampton City Art Gallery said: “The generous loan of this key work from Tate has given us the opportunity to borrow paintings by a number of artists not represented within our collection such as George Clausen, Bertha Newcombe and Henry Herbert Le Thangue. We hope this display will enable our audience to learn more about this important era of British Art.” Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture said: “Having such exceptional work of early British Impressionism on loan from Tate alongside art drawn from our city’s own permanent collection, has resulted in another amazing exhibition for Southampton and Southampton City Art Gallery. It helps cement us as an international destination for arts and culture, and I hope local residents and visitors alike take the opportunity to make the most of it.” Southampton City Art Gallery is the second of four UK-partner galleries to display Le Passeur. The exhibit will run until January 12.