Fisherton Mill

It was originally built in 1880 as a grain mill and it was used as a bonded warehouse for the Australian Army during the First World War. The mill was closed in the 1980s and around 10 years later the mill was renovated and reopened as an art gallery.

What to see at Fisherton Mill

The gallery is spread over two levels with a lovely sunny central courtyard. It is home to studios where artists and craftspeople work, it hosts a programme of exhibitions and it sells unique art and craft works from over 200 local artists.

It is a lovely place to potter around but it is more like an art and craft market than a traditional art gallery.

Temporary exhibitions

Although it is not to the same standard as larger galleries elsewhere in England, some of the temporary exhibitions can be particularly interesting.

Woodland Haze
As the evenings get shorter and the festive season approaches, Fisherton Mill presents Woodland Haze, a winter exhibition (until 4 January 2025) highlighting the natural world through a variety of original arts and crafts.

With Time
With Time is a solo exhibition (8–29 March 2025) that reflects on the passing seasons, capturing their essence through colour and words. The artist contemplates the idea of standing still to appreciate the present, aiming to slow time in her artwork. This exhibition, featuring pieces prepared across seasons, is located at Fisherton Mill, where Annmarie also runs painting workshops in her studio.

Downpours & Luminosity
Downpours & Luminosity (5 April–10 May 2025) delves into the healing power of tears, capturing how emotional release – whether from love, grief or empathy – can feel like a physical downpour, eventually giving way to hope. In her oil paintings, the artist combines abstract, impressionist and pointillist styles with 23-carat gold leaf to symbolise light breaking through. Subjects include rain, landscapes and nudes, all reflecting resilience and the emergence of luminosity amid life’s challenges.

Within
In Within (17 May–14 June 2025), artist Louise Bougourd explores the emotional resonance of Britain’s landscapes. Walking alone in nature, she begins her work with quick sketches, often using found objects like twigs and bracken to capture the essence of place. Back in her studio, Bougourd’s process shifts to slow, meditative painting in water-based media or oils, blending memory and impression to abstract the landscape. Her expressive mark-making invites viewers to experience her journey through nature in vivid, intuitive strokes.

Visiting Fisherton Mill

Fisherton Mill is on Fisherton Street right in the heart of the city centre. It is only a three-minute walk to the railway station and most of the attractions in Cathedral Close are within a 10-minute walk from the gallery.

The main part of the complex is open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, although the individual studios have their own opening hours that may vary from the rest of the complex. It is usually closed on Sundays, except for some exhibitions and for the lead-up to Christmas.

Only the ground floor of the complex is wheelchair accessible and the main gallery upstairs, where the temporary exhibitions are held, is only accessible via a staircase.

The on-site cafe is a major part of the complex and it is very popular with both tourists and locals. Although the cafe menu is limited, the quality is excellent and vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Although many people make a quick visit, there is quite a bit to see if you enjoy poking around markets and some people spend over two hours here.

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