The List

The Wilson

The Wilson gallery came into being in 1899, when former MP for Cheltenham, Lord de Ferrieres, donated 43 paintings together with a donation towards somewhere to house them. A significant renovation took place in 2013, with new gallery space across four floors allowing temporary exhibitions, touring shows and more displays from the permanent collections.

What's On @ The Wilson

Easter Trail

Easter Trail

9 Apr 2026 - 12 Apr 2026

Hop along to the Wilson this Easter for a fun family adventure! Our Easter Trail is bursting with clues and plenty of fun. Follow the trail through the galleries, solve the puzzles, and keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures around the museum. Complete the trail to earn a sweet reward and enjoy an adventure packed with creativity, curiosity, and Easter cheer. Perfect for little explorers! Tickets can also be purchased on the day from the café.
Groundbreaking Women: History Of Art Lecture
Join art historian Sarah Middleton on a journey looking at significant female artists and artworks of the 20th & 21st century. For too long, the history of art has been told through a male lens, often censoring, omitting or overlooking female perspectives and expressions. Paula Rego’s heartfelt, raw, political and often jarring artworks are the starting point for this lecture exploring themes of censorship, fear, injustice, motherhood, love and desire. These artworks articulate what it is to be a woman, the context in which they lived their lives and documenting their inner selves onto canvas. These artists stand in their power, no longer seen as lesser than their famous partners - Lee Krasner, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe are examples of artists stepping out from the shadows of a male dominated landscape. Their resilience, ingenuity, bravery and deep commitment to their craft leaves a lasting legacy on the history of art. About Sarah Sarah Middleton is a painter, art historian and lecturer. She studied Italian and History of Art at UCL and courses at The Courtauld and Slade School of Fine Art. Sarah works as a communications consultant and lectures all over the Cotswolds, including giving Arts & Crafts Tours in Painswick.
Expressive Drawing: Inspired by Rego
Explore storytelling through drawing in this hands-on workshop led by artist Dougal Kirkland. Inspired by Paula Rego, participants will begin from a story and use intuitive mark-making to explore the feeling and location of a narrative and how it feels to inhabit these environments. The workshop will then focus on developing and combining characters, using costumes from the Wilson collection to draw from. Open to all levels, the session encourages playful experimentation and personal expression through drawing. About Dougal Dougal Kirkland is an artist and printmaker interested in landscape, archeology and folklore. He studied at the Royal Drawing School where he was awarded the ACS drawing prize and where he currently teaches. Dougal is passionate about drawing and enjoys exploring ways of drawing with others.
Practical Fine Art for Adults Course

Practical Fine Art for Adults Course

17 Apr 2026 - 5 Jun 2026

Join our Practical Fine Art for Beginners course and unlock your creativity! Our lessons are tailored for those with little-to-no experience in art, but feel the desire to discover and create. At the end of the course, you will have honed your skills and gained confidence in your ability to produce your own artwork. Start your journey as an artist today. About Kitty McLeod The tutor, Kitty McLeod, of Promising Artists, trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art drawing & painting, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty runs a small art school in Cheltenham and art courses for the National Trust. Price is for a course of 5 sessions and includes all materials.
Practical Fine Art for Children Course
Practical Fine Art for Children: 2026 For keen young artists of all levels. The perfect complement to school art lessons, whether studying at primary or GCSE level. Practical, how-to skills: observational drawing techniques, multi-media exploration, adventures in colour and more. There is plenty of time for one-to-one support in these small groups too. About Kitty McLeod Kitty McLeod trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops, organising events, parties, and face painting with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty’s students have won art scholarships to Cheltenham College, Rendcombe College and King’s School. Price is for a course of 5 sessions and includes all materials.

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