Top 10 Contemporary Art Galleries in Oxford
The city of Oxford is famous for its historical university and it is known as the city of dreaming spires due to the architecture of the university buildings. It is a beautiful city that is a popular holiday destination or day trip. With its rich history, Oxford is a treasure trove of art and culture. What many visitors may not know is that Oxford is also home to a vibrant contemporary art scene, with a number of excellent galleries showcasing some of the most exciting artists working today.
In this blog post, I have set out ten of the best galleries in Oxford to help you plan your next cultural visit to the city.
All of these art galleries are within walking distance of each other and could potentially all be visited in one day. I would suggest starting with Modern Art Oxford and then head northwards, finishing at The Sarah Wiseman Gallery.
I have included opening times for each gallery that are correct at the time of writing this blog post, but please check the latest information before your visit.
Table of Contents
1. Modern Art Oxford
Admission: Free - although some exhibitions have an entrance charge.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday, 12pm to 5pm
Address: Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP
CC Image courtesy of Jun Flickr
First on my list of galleries is Modern Art Oxford, a contemporary art gallery that does not disappoint. It is conveniently located in the heart of Oxford City Centre and forms the logical start of a contemporary art walking trail in Oxford.
Modern Art Oxford boasts a rich history of promoting diversity and internationalism through its bold and progressive programming. There is also a rolling program of temporary exhibitions, making this gallery a must-visit destination for any art lover.
Modern Art Oxford is more than just a gallery space, it is a community hub complete with a shop, café, and creative space, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to experiment, learn and play.
2. Pembroke College JCR Art Fund Collection
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Open during the academic term. Days and times vary
Address: Pembroke College JCR Art Fund Collection, 18 Beef Lane, Oxford, OX1 1DW
Pembroke College JCR Art Collection is conveniently located near Modern Art Oxford, and they could easily be visited on the same trip. The collection is housed in a stunning setting that adds to the overall experience. The college's historic buildings provide a beautiful backdrop for the artwork, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.
Pembroke College JCR Art Collection showcases a collection of post-war and contemporary art, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts. The collection is owned by a fund created by the student body, which includes works by some of the most notable post-war British artists such as Sir Terry Frost, Dame Elisabeth Frink, Lynn Chadwick and John Minton, among others.
In Spring 2023, Pembroke College JCR Art Collection will showcase the work of Saba Qizilbash, the winner of the 2022 Emery Prize, a prestigious award given to a Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford, BFA or MFA finalist student. Her solo exhibition will feature her signature exquisitely drawn continuous landscapes.
In Summer 2023, Pembroke College JCR Art Collection will host artist Jermaine Francis in collaboration with the Photo Oxford Festival.
3. Ashmolean Museum
Admission: Free, but there is a charge for some exhibitions
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
CC Image courtesy of subherwal Flickr
This next destination in Oxford is not strictly speaking a contemporary art gallery, but contains contemporary elements. The Ashmolean Museum is located just a short walk from both Modern Art Oxford and Pembroke College JCR Art Collection in the heart of Oxford.
The Ashmolean Museum is an excellent destination to visit. It has a diverse collection, from Egyptian mummies, classical sculptures to contemporary art installations, showcasing human creativity across cultures and time periods.
Kabuki Legends is an exhibition that will run into 2024 and is worth visiting. This exhibition includes the stencil prints of Japanese artist Takahashi Hiromitsu. These colourful prints feature performers wearing elaborate costumes with stylised movement.
4. Ronapainting Gallery
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5.30pm
Address: Ronapainting Gallery, 34 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AA
The Ronapainting Gallery in Oxford is a hidden gem, showcasing an exquisite collection of paintings, original prints, photography, and sculpture.
Rona, the founder, is a seasoned painter of thirty years and possesses an eye for quality and display, which is evident in the collection. The Ronapainting Gallery houses a diverse range of featured artists including Frederic Chevarin, Ella Clocksin, Nobuo Kusunoki and Violet Porter. Each artist brings their own perspective and style, which harmoniously come together to create a unique ambiance.
5. Carey Blyth Gallery
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 5pm
Address: Carey Blyth Gallery, 8 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HT
Nestled in the heart of Oxford, the Carey Blyth Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that showcases a stunning collection of works by a diverse group of local, national, and international artists. With solo and mixed exhibitions, the gallery offers a unique platform for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a world of contemporary art.
The gallery's founder, Jenny Blyth, is a curator and gallerist with over twenty-five years of experience in the contemporary art scene, including a successful stint as a curator at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery from 1990 to 2002 and ten years of running a floating gallery.
At this gallery you will find artworks that embrace the the natural world, often showcasing landscapes and still life, either figurative or abstracted.
6. Meakin + Parsons
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm
Address: Meakin + Parsons, 16 North Parade Avenue, Park Town, Oxford, OX2 6LX
Meakin + Parsons is a contemporary art gallery that offers a bespoke art advisory service to collectors of all levels.
The gallery's exhibition program is diverse and engaging, showcasing exceptional emerging contemporary artists alongside mid-career and established talent, as well as a range of modern British art. Featured artists include Christopher Brooks, Ham Darroch, Bridget Riley, and Anna Liber Lewis, to name a few.
Meakin + Parsons is hosting an exciting solo exhibition in 2023 by contemporary artist Aliki Braine, titled ‘Into the Woods’, and curated by Rodrigo Orrantia, as part of the Photo Oxford Festival. The exhibition explores the portrayal of woods throughout art history and its connection to contemporary photography.
7. Tom Constantine
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Address: Tom Constantine, 7 North Parade Avenue, Oxford, OX2 6LX
Situated in the charming North Parade of Oxford, the Tom Constantine Gallery is a recent addition to the city’s art scene. The gallery was established by Tom Stewart-Liberty in March 2022.
The gallery’s collection of modern British and European art from the 20th Century is a wonderful display of abstract art, sculptures, and prints within a vibrant and colourful space. The art pieces on show have been carefully sourced by Tom himself, from all over Britain and Europe.
Beyond the unique art collection, Tom Constantine Gallery also offers an interior design service for those looking to bring a touch of artistic flair into their living spaces. The gallery houses a great selection of mid-20th century lighting, as well as other design pieces from across Europe and Britain that are sure to inspire.
8. Sarah Wiseman Gallery
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Address: Sarah Wiseman Gallery, 40-41 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JL
Located in the trendy Summertown area, Sarah Wiseman Gallery has earned a reputation for showcasing cutting-edge artwork by established and emerging artists. This gallery would mark a suitable end or start to a contemporary art walking tour of Oxford City.
The gallery's programme of exhibitions reflects its commitment to supporting contemporary British artists. The gallery's ethos is to provide a platform for artists to further develop their careers, offering solo and group exhibitions that showcase the best of their work.
in 2023, the gallery welcomes Veronica Wells' solo show 'Faces Amongst Spaces'. Veronica's fashion-inspired portraiture explores popular culture's idealised representations of life, and the imperfections that lie beneath. Her technique, which blends rough and broad brushstrokes with finer, more intricate details, creates a unique and arresting style that questions ideas of perfection.
Sarah Spackman's solo show 'Objective Beauty' is another gallery highlight of 2023. Known for her still life paintings, Sarah's work is characterised by her strength of drawing and delicate use of colour. Her paintings evoke a sense of clarity and richness, with colour used to define the structure of observed space and form.
9. Whitewall - Oxford
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Address: Whitewall, 125 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DF
The next gallery takes us back into the heart of Oxford City Centre. Whitewall Galleries has several galleries located across the UK, including in Oxford.
Whitewall Gallery is home to an eclectic mix of contemporary fine art, modern art, and sculpture, showcasing a variety of styles and mediums. It has a fascinating collection of limited edition prints and original artwork by both established and emerging artists.
10. Castle Fine Art - Oxford
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Address: Castle Fine Art, Westgate, Unit L27b, Oxford, OX1 1TR
Castle Fine Art, like Whitewall Galleries, also have several other galleries within the towns and cities of the UK. The Oxford gallery boasts an impressive collection of a variety of contemporary and traditional art, including paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints.
I hope you have found my list of galleries in Oxford useful. If you have visited any of these galleries, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at [email protected].
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