The LYC Foundation

The LYC Foundation is the estate of Chinese British artist Li Yuan-Chia. Founded by the art critic Guy Brett (1942-2021), who was a close friend of the artist.
Li Yuan-Chia had always been a champion of artists, and combined with his unique vision, it finally led to the realisation of LYC Museum and Gallery in 1971. Located in the small village of Banks in rural Cumbria, where he provided opportunities for artists to show their works. Together with artist Winifred Nicholson, they had put together a diverse programmes to showcase three artists every month, integrated art into the local community. Until its closure in 1982, the LYC Museum and Gallery had shown more than 350 artists. Amongst them were 35 female artists, including Barbara Hepworth and Lygia Clark.
The LYF Foundation continues to support wide range of artists and to promote the legacy of Li Yuan-Chia under the care of three trustees, Diana Yeh, Aliza Lan and Bruce Haines.