Art gallery marks 'milestone moment' of 125 years

An art gallery has reopened a section of its exhibition space following conservation work, in celebration of its 125th anniversary.

The free-to-visit Upper Gallery at Bath's Victoria Art Gallery is now open to the public after extensive conservation work was carried out to protect the Grade II-listed building.

The venue houses Bath & North East Somerset Council's (BANES) collection of public artworks, and pieces by artists such as Paul Klee and Grayson Perry.

Robert Campbell, BANES head of culture and heritage, said it was a "milestone moment" for a "much-loved" council-owned art space.

All of the Victoria Art Gallery is free to enter for residents in the BANES Council area who hold a Discovery Card, and relies on support from visitors and locals.

While conservation work took place, the gallery team developed The Modelling Room, a dedicated learning and engagement studio for schools and the community.

The council said it was "very grateful" for the commitment of its supporters and the individual donor who helped to fund the development of the new space.

"We are honouring its important past while investing in its future," Mr Campbell said.

"The completion of vital conservation work in the Upper Gallery and the launch of our first dedicated learning and engagement space are milestone moments.

"We're thrilled to welcome the public back to this much-loved cultural space."

The exhibition - First Impressions: Printers' Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists - runs in the Upper Gallery until 6 July.

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