The Gallery holds a Permanent Collection of over 2000 items including archive material … paintings, prints ceramics, sculpture, drawings, letters, photographs and artist memorabilia. The Collection has grown from the group of around one hundred pictures bequeathed by the painter Mary Elizabeth Stormont (1871-1962) to the Rye Art Gallery Trust she founded in 1957. These works include paintings and sketches of her own and others by her husband, the painter Howard Gull Stormont (1859-1935). Also there are some works that the couple had purchased and displayed in their home, the Ypres Studio. The Trust was founded by Mary for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people of Rye. She would probably be delighted that the Gallery is now so well-established and appreciated, not only by those in Rye, but regionally and nationally. The Trustees, friends, supporters and donors, by gift, purchase and bequest, have continued to expand the Collection to its current status.