THE independent Friends of Newport Museum and Art Gallery has been officially launched with the handing over of a gift from its patron, actor Michael Sheen.

Mr Sheen made a speech earlier this month at the Chartist Convention held at the city campus of the University of South Wales, and his copy of that speech has been handed over to the museum and art gallery by the friends group.

The Argus reported yesterday that the Hollywood star is to be the group’s patron, a move which follows his taking on of a founder trustee role for the body set up to decide on a new Chartist memorial for the city.

The Friends of Newport Museum and Art Gallery will aim to support the preservation, presentation and development of the collections, and is the second such group to be set up in the 125-year history of the museum and art gallery.

“There used to be friends group years ago but when the new building opened (in John Frost Square in the late 1960s) it didn’t carry on for some reason,” said the new group’s chairman Richard Frame.

“The museum and art gallery are great assets to Newport and we would like to help get more people interested in the collections and what they have to offer.

“These are difficult times and given the way things are, it feels like the right time to set up.

“Places like these need a strong, independent voice.”

The friends group is arranging a number of activities for 2014 and is looking for members to swell its ranks. Anyone interested can pick up an application form at the museum, or email membership@fonmag.org.uk