Pallant House Gallery
Modern British art in a Georgian setting
Pallant House Gallery is one of the finest galleries of modern British art outside London, housed in a handsome Queen Anne townhouse in the heart of the Pallants, the historic quarter south of East Street. The gallery's collection, building and programme of exhibitions make it a cultural jewel that punches well above the weight of a small cathedral city.
The original building, Pallant House itself, dates from 1712 and is a Grade I listed townhouse of considerable architectural distinction. Its red brick facade, stone dressings and elegant proportions make it one of the best examples of early 18th-century domestic architecture in the south of England. A contemporary extension, designed by Long and Kentish and completed in 2006, provides additional gallery space, a shop and a cafe. The two buildings work well together, with the contrast between the Georgian elegance and the modern addition adding to the experience.
The permanent collection is built around a donation of modern British art by Walter Hussey, who was Dean of Chichester Cathedral and a notable patron of the arts. Hussey commissioned works from Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, John Piper, Marc Chagall and others during his time at the cathedral, and his personal collection formed the nucleus of the gallery. The collection has been significantly expanded since and now includes works by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Ivon Hitchens, Peter Blake, Eduardo Paolozzi, Ceri Richards and many others.
The gallery's exhibition programme brings temporary shows of national significance to Chichester. Recent years have seen exhibitions of work by major 20th and 21st-century artists, curated to a standard that would be impressive in a London gallery, let alone a regional one. The exhibitions change regularly, giving repeat visitors a reason to return.
The education and community programme includes talks, workshops, courses and activities for children and families. The gallery is actively used by schools, and its position in the centre of the city makes it accessible for casual visits as well as planned trips.
The cafe, in the modern extension, serves good coffee and light meals and is a pleasant place to sit regardless of whether you intend to visit the galleries. The shop stocks art books, prints, cards and gifts.
Admission is charged for the main galleries, with concessions available. The gallery is a registered charity and depends on admissions, donations and membership for its income. Becoming a Friend of Pallant House Gallery provides unlimited free admission and supports the gallery's work.
The gallery exhibition programme brings temporary shows of national significance to Chichester on a regular basis. Recent years have seen exhibitions of work by major 20th and 21st-century artists, curated to a standard that would be impressive in a London gallery, let alone a regional one. The exhibitions change regularly, giving repeat visitors a reason to return throughout the year, and the gallery has built a reputation for intelligent, well-presented shows that illuminate both individual artists and broader movements in modern British art.
The education and community programme includes talks, workshops, courses and activities for children and families. The gallery is actively used by schools from across the area, and its position in the centre of the city makes it accessible for casual visits as well as planned educational trips. The outreach work ensures that the gallery serves the whole community, not just those who would naturally seek out a modern art gallery.
The cafe, in the modern extension, serves good coffee and light meals and is a pleasant place to sit regardless of whether you intend to visit the galleries. The shop stocks art books, prints, cards and gifts that provide a more interesting alternative to the usual tourist tat. Admission is charged for the main galleries, with concessions available. Becoming a Friend of Pallant House Gallery provides unlimited free admission, invitations to private views and supports the gallery charitable work.