The Victoria Art Gallery is an art museum that was opened in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The gallery focuses on paintings by British artists from around 1700 to the present day.
What to see at the Victoria Art Gallery
The gallery is housed inside a Grade II* listed building and it houses a collection of around 1,500 works including decorative arts such as glassware and sculptures; however, the Victoria Art Gallery’s primary focus is on British oil paintings from the late 17th century to the present day. Artwork on display includes works by Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert.
Temporary exhibitions at the Victoria Art Gallery
In addition to its permanent collection, the Victoria Art Gallery hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions, which change every 6–12 weeks.
Current and planned exhibitions include:
Geri Waddington: Against the Grain
This exhibition (until 13 July 2025) features wood engravings by Geri Waddington, many inspired by natural forms. Trained at the Slade School of Fine Art, she began engraving in 1995 and joined the Society of Wood Engravers in 2001. Her work has appeared with the Royal Academy and in independent galleries. Waddington also illustrates private press books, printing directly from the original woodblocks.
First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists
This exhibition (2 May–6 July 2025) explores the process behind etchings and screenprints through printers’ proofs by artists including Lucian Freud and Bridget Riley. Works by Peter Blake and Frank Auerbach also feature. The display highlights the role of specialist printers, whose technical skill is essential to the production of these prints. It offers insight into the often unseen collaboration between artist and printer during the printmaking process.
Visiting the Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery is in the city centre close to the western entrance to Pulteney Bridge. Most points of interest in Bath are no more than a 10-minute walk away and Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Sally Lunn’s are all less than a five-minute walk from here.
Admission to the art gallery costs £10, which is rather expensive for a gallery in a small regional city. However, this includes admission to temporary exhibitions and entry is half price if you have a valid National Art Pass.
The gallery is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair users should enter through the accessible entrance on Bridge Street.
Free Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available in the upper gallery.
Allow 1–2 hours to visit the gallery.
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