Victoria Art Gallery’s free-to-visit Upper Gallery will reopen to the public on 2 May, following extensive conservation work to protect the Grade II*-listed building and its collection for future generations.
The reopening marks the Gallery’s 125th birthday, unveiling not only a refreshed Upper Gallery but also a brand-new learning and engagement studio, The Modelling Room, and the launch of an exciting new exhibition, First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists.
Home to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s collection of public artworks, Victoria Art Gallery has been a cultural landmark in the city since 1900. Named to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the gallery hosts both the permanent collection and a programme of temporary exhibitions. The Upper Gallery displays include masterpieces by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Klee and Grayson Perry and provides free access to art in the heart of Bath.
A New Chapter for the Upper Gallery
The conservation project focused on the roof and ceiling of the Grade II* listed building, requiring the temporary closure of the Upper Gallery whilst the repairs were carried out. The essential and extensive works represent a strong commitment to Arts and Culture in by Bath and North East Somerset council through an investment in one of the most important Council owned cultural venues in the city of Bath. With the collection safely stored throughout, the gallery is now being carefully rehung ahead of reopening, with some pieces going on display for the first time.
Introducing The Modelling Room – A New Learning and Engagement Space
While conservation work took place, the gallery team developed The Modelling Room, a dedicated learning and engagement studio for schools and the community. The new studio will expand the gallery’s learning programme for school children as well as providing a space to host workshops, classes, and creative sessions for visitors of all ages. Work on The Modelling Room has been made possible thanks to the financial support of the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery with special thanks to an individual donor.
The Victoria Art Gallery is a civic space, free to enter for Bath and North-East Somerset residents, and it relies on the support of many local people to make it successful. The Friends of Victoria Art Gallery have been long supporters of the Art Gallery, and the Council is very grateful for their commitment to this project and that of the other individual donor.
An inspiring New Exhibition: First Impressions
Alongside the reopening, new exhibition First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists launches on 2 May (running until 6 July 2025) and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of printmaking. Featuring works by Lucian Freud, Frank Auerbach, and Bridget Riley and contemporaries, the exhibition showcases dozens of printers’ proofs, revealing the trial-and-error process behind some of the most iconic prints in modern art.
Robert Campbell, Head of Culture & Heritage, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “As we celebrate 125 years of Victoria Art Gallery, we are honouring its important past while investing in its future. The completion of vital conservation work in the Upper Gallery and the launch of our first dedicated learning and engagement space are milestone moments. We’re thrilled to welcome the public back to this much-loved cultural space.
“Our vibrant programme of inspiring and unexpected exhibitions continues with First Impressions, offering a rare insight into the world of printmaking. This work reflects the Council’s commitment to preserving and sharing this cultural treasure, ensuring art remains accessible to all for generations to come.”
Victoria Art Gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from10.30am-5pm. The Upper Gallery is free to enter and reopens on 2nd May.
First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists opens in the Lower Gallery on 2nd May until 6th July. Entry is £8 for adults, free for children under 6 and £3.50 for 6–18-year-olds, concessions and family tickets are available. Entry is free for Bath Residents with a Discovery Card.
The Modelling Room is available for pre-booked use by schools and community groups.
For further details and bookings see www.victoriagal.org.uk
