The new-look Wilson Art Gallery and Museum welcomes a royal visitor
THE Cheltenham Trust was honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to open the new Sir Charles Irving Community Art Gallery at The Wilson last week.
The duke was shown the community gallery’s first exhibition, Break The Cycle, by artist Jussara Nazare who led workshops with young people from National Star College and Gloucestershire Carers, reimagining old denim garments destined for landfill.
The gallery was funded by a bequest from the Sir Charles Irving Trust and showcases local creative talent and supports developing young artists.
During his visit the duke visited some of the refurbished galleries, the vibrant Wilson Kitchen arts café on the ground floor and viewed the plaque commemorating his first visit in 2014 when he opened The Wilson.
The £500,000 refurbishment, which was match funded by Cheltenham Borough Council, has also created artists’ studios on the third floor.
The Wilson’s first national touring exhibition is the acclaimed, Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk produced by National Museums Scotland, which explores how fashion creatives are embracing positivity and inclusivity.
The exhibition is free to enter and runs until October 2.
Come and browse the refreshed galleries including the new Cheltenham Untold which narrates the story of Cheltenham; the appealing animal themed WOW (World of Wonders) gallery for children; and the re-displayed arts and crafts collection.
There’s a summer of cultural workshops and activities to explore and enjoy, from musical sessions and puppet making to jewellery crafting, photography walks and curator led tours of the galleries.
For more information and to book visit www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk
» Priority booking opens for this year’s classical concert series
The classical concert series is back at Cheltenham Town Hall bringing popular UK orchestras and prestigious international visitors from Armenia, Malta, Sweden and Belgium.
The series begins on Friday November 4 with the Belgian National Orchestra and runs until May 2023.
The line-up includes the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra; Swedish Philharmonia; Armenian State Symphony Orchestra; English Symphony Orchestra; National Symphony Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns with the popular New Year Viennese Strauss Gala in January 2023.
Priority booking for the season is in person only on Monday August 8 at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum between 10am and 6pm, or by phone on 01242 528764.
Priority booking is for customers who purchased the full 2021/2022 concert series. Customers booking their tickets on the day can enjoy a special offer of coffee and cake for £5.
All events can be booked online at www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk from 10am Monday August 15.