The gallery is a wonderful meeting place and far more romantic than a frozen food aisle

Peter Jenkinson, gallery director

Peter Jenkinson, director of The New Gallery, Walsall, said: "Although singles' nights are not a new phenomenon in places like supermarkets we think the gallery is a wonderful meeting place and far more romantic than a frozen food aisle.

"The Garman Ryan Collection is full of stories about relationships and friendships linked to the life of Sir Jacob Epstein and guests will be able to enjoy the collection in a relaxed and informal way."

Some of the Gallery's aim, of course, is to show off its collection but another gallery spokesman added: "These people really want to meet someone."

The Garman Ryan collection, donated in 1973 by Epstein's wife and her friend the US sculptor Sally Ryan, consists of works by Epstein, Monet, Van Gogh and Braque.

It also features work by many friends and relations of the Epsteins, including Augustus John and one-time son-in-law Lucien Freud.

Epstein was born in New York city but studied with Rodin in Paris and worked chiefly in England.

He rebelled against the ornate and pretty in art, producing bold, massive forms in stone or bronze that were often controversial.

The 18 large figures that he created for the British Medical Association Building were removed in 1937 as offensive and structurally dangerous.