There is an abundance of public art across Winchester district as well as plenty of galleries and spaces to view, purchase and participate in making your own art.
There is an abundance of public art across Winchester district as well as plenty of galleries and spaces to view, purchase and participate in making your own art. The best way to explore them all is to use our Eye-Openers Trail.
The city centre has several pieces which have become part of the fabric of the city, like the iconic Buttercross and the Town Clock which can both be clearly seen walking along the high street. Further along the same stretch is the Horse and Rider and the Hampshire Hog, along with the Jubilee Sculpture just around the corner.
Winchester has a strong military history and there are examples of sculptural memorials dotted throughout the city, there is A Promise Honoured by The Great Hall and King’s Royal Rifle Corps War Memorial in Winchester Cathedral grounds. Whilst in the cathedral grounds you can also interact with Luminous Motion, changing the tower’s colourful lights by sending a text message. There are also many works of art inside the cathedral, including an Anthony Gormley sculpture.
Winchester College houses an outstanding collection of art and archaeology – visit the treasury and the museum in the Warden’s Stables to see it all. The Guildhall is also home to some large and impressive portraits along with the cities silver collection.
The city centre also has numerous art galleries from The Gallery at the Arc, West Downs Gallery and Winchester Gallery to Minster Gallery, Canvas Gallery and Winchester Makers. Winchester Makers also offer workshops, giving you the opportunity to get involved - if this is what you are after then you could also head to BellaCrafts or The Colour Factory. If you are looking for something more unusual then you should head to The Granary to try your hand at stone carving or copper sculpting.
If you’ve decided to do a spot of shopping at Whiteley then keep your eyes peeled for bronze animals – can you spot the pigs, otters or rabbits dotted around the area? If you are in Wickham, then head towards Bay Tree Walk and Warwick Lane for your fix of art, antiques and collectibles. Why not finish off your artistic visit with a spot of cake and one of the lovely nearby cafes?
