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Explore Visual Arts in Salisbury
Salisbury is a city with a rich and diverse visual art scene, offering something for art lovers of all tastes and interests. From its historic cathedral and classical streets to its contemporary galleries and exhibitions, our modern medieval city is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in visual art.
One of the most iconic pieces of art in Salisbury is indisputably Salisbury Cathedral, which was built in the early 13th century and is home to one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. The cathedral's stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings make it a masterpiece of medieval art and architecture. Take a wander around the Close whilst you’re there and enjoy the contemporary sculptures dotted around the grounds, including ‘Construction (Crucifixion)’ a Barbara Hepworth sculpture and homage to Mondrian, recently returned from a Netherlands Gallery.
In addition to the cathedral, Salisbury is home to a number of galleries and exhibitions that showcase the work of local and international artists. Fisherton Mill is a popular destination for art lovers because it is the largest independent art gallery in the South West, with a range of exhibitions featuring everything from contemporary art to traditional crafts. Fisherton Mill also houses several studios where local artists create, display and sell their work, as well as holding workshops. The converted Victorian grain mill is completed with ascrumptious Café (with food from multi award-winning chef Michael Fox), and a wonderful gift shop offering artisan crafts, jewellery, and homewares.
Contemporary art lovers come from far and wide to visit The Vanner Gallery, which you’ll find just outside the iconic high street gate entrance to the cathedral close. The gallery presents regular exhibitions by emerging and established artists. Highlights of its past programme include shows by John Blackburn, Tim Harrisson, Eleanor Bartlett and David Mankin.
Another gem in Salisbury’s modern art crown is Clarendon Fine Art situated on the beautiful Butcher Row. Striving always to make art collecting accessible and as part of a network of over 40 galleries, their exhibition is always updating and rotating, offering beautiful and innovative paintings, collectable editions and stunning sculptures.
Established by Edwin Young in 1913 and housed above the Salisbury Public Library, The Young Gallery holds a wonderful collection of permanent pieces of art, as well as regularly curated solo and group exhibitions. One of the 3 gallery spaces holds 5 permanent collections from Edwin Young, The John Creasey Museum, Edgar Barclay, Robin Tanner, and Mick Maslen. The other two modern spaces hold specifically curated exhibitions that are time limited, so be sure to check out what unique exhibition is on offer when you visit.
Nestled in the idyllic Cathedral Close, Salisbury Museum has a stunning 4,000-piece art collection boasting works by Turner, Constable, John, Rayner, Thursby and Whistler. The Museum also hosts multiple curated exhibitions throughout the year alongside their permanent art collection.