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Did you know that there is so much art in Essex? There is an abundance of galleries, artworks by the famous John Constable of Dedham Vale which has since been dubbed "Constable Country", A House for Essex by Grayson Perry and Colchester's contemporary art gallery Firstsite, which won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021.
If you’re looking for a day out filled with statues then we have got a few great spots to start you off with…
Harlow Sculpture Town
All Around Harlow,
Permanent
Did you know that our very own Harlow Town became the world’s first ‘Sculpture Town’ back in 2010? Didn’t think so!
The collection spaced around the town includes over 100 public sculptures with works by Henry Moore, Ralph Brown, Elisabeth Frink, William Mitchell, Barbara Hepworth, Auguste Rodin and author Nick Hornby. There are enough to keep you busy all day and you’ll most certainly hit your step count.
If you’re looking for other local attractions to make your day even more jam-packed visit The Gibberd Garden, created by Sir Frederick Gibberd who designed the garden in 1972 and added sculptures, ceramic pots and architectural salvage for twelve years until he passed away. There is also The Lock Climbing Wall which is part of Essex Outdoors if you fancy trying your hand at rock climbing on your day out!
We can’t write ‘An Artists Guide to Essex’ without including a few art galleries so if visiting art galleries is more your kind of vibe, then why not give these a try…
Beecroft Art Gallery
The Jazz Centre UK, Southend-on-Sea
Tues - Sat 11am - 5pm
Beecroft Art Gallery collection ranges from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary works and there are over 2000 works on display.
The vast collection includes art from local artist Alan Sorrell, a selection of the Thorpe Smith Collection which include local landscape views from as early as 1803, and of course, work from John Constable of Dedham Vale.
If you’re interested in a bit of a stroll after taking in some amazing artwork, why not challenge yourself to complete the Southend Victoria to Leigh Railway Walk and take in the sights along the way.
Focal Point Gallery
Southend Central Library, Southend-on-Sea
Monday to Saturday 11.00am to 5.00pm + Sunday 11.00am to 4.00pm
If you’re looking for some contemporary art that challenges how we think and feel about locality and our importance in our community then the Focal Point Gallery is somewhere that needs to be on your radar.
The Focal Point Gallery works on commissions and often presents major solo exhibitions and group shows which aims to inspire new audiences and engage the local communities.
You’re bound to be hungry after your visit so why not try Sands by the Sea, The Britannia or Feelgoods to pick up some Fish & Chips to eat along the seafront.
Maybe picking up some art and crafts in Essex is more for you...
Dedham Art and Craft Centre.jpg)
High Street, Dedham
Mon - Sun 10am - 5pm
Dedham is also known as Constable Country and Dedham Art & Craft Centre is situated right in the heart of it!
The Centre is housed in a converted church that is home to three floors filled with the work of more than 60 artisans including art, ceramics, glass, metal craft and woodwork. Labelled as ‘a paradise to explore for the casual browser and enthusiastic shopper’ we couldn't agree more.
After perusing the shelves and treating yourself to some new art for your home, why not stop by The Sun Inn for some dinner or even stay overnight at The Sun Inn’s Accommodation. If you’re feeling a little classic then book an Afternoon Tea at the Tiptree Tea Room at Essex Rose.
And if you want to fully immerse yourself in art then you best submit your name for the ballot to stay here...
A House for Essex
Wrabness, Manningtree
Now this is a really unique experience, staying inside a work of art! A House for Essex by Grayson Perry and FAT Architecture is a homage to the tradition of wayside and pilgrimage chapels along with the special character and unique qualities of Essex; a rather dashing combination.
With every room housing specially commissioned artworks and a library to Julie Cope; a fictional character created by Perry, an Essex everywoman, whose story he has told through two tapestries, and the most luxurious of Egyptian cotton bed linen and homewares, this is a one off stay!
And if you fancy leaving this stunning home for dinner, try Lucca Enoteca for a classic Italian meal in the High Street sat amongst exposed brickwork and beams.
Related
The Beecroft Art Gallery holds over 2000 works of art ranging from 17th century Dutch Masters to contemporary works and Fashion and Textiles. Temporary exhibitions of local artist's work, alongside dynamic collection based exhibitions provide something for everyone to enjoy.
Dedham Art & Craft Centre is housed in a converted church in this popular village. The Centre exudes historic charm and is the perfect place to visit, shop and eat.
A beautiful 9 acre landscaped garden created by Sir Frederick Gibberd with lawns, vistas, paths and a brook. The Barn Tea Room sells simple afternoon refreshments. There is a small gift shop.
Essex’s largest Indoor climbing centre, The Lock Climbing Wall in Harlow provides great climbing experiences for all ages and abilities.
Focal Point Gallery is South Essex’s only dedicated contemporary art gallery, based in Southend-on-Sea and open to all. Offering an exciting programme of largely free workshops, talks, outdoor film screenings and offsite projects, it also presents three major exhibitions a year featuring both international and local artists. Find us just behind Southend High Street in the Forum building and see what you can discover.
METAL provide innovative, multi-disciplinary residency space for artists from the UK and overseas in Southend on Sea at Chalkwell Hall.
Heritage Fish and Chips at Sands by the Sea – the new look and taste of the nation’s favourite dish! Overlooking the Thames Estuary
Museum contains the last Clacton off-shore. Oakley Class Lifeboat 34ft and a history of the lifeboat service in Harwich.
Accessible by train, this 2.5 mile (3.9km) family friendly walk takes you along the sea front and links Southend Central station with Chalkwell station or carry on for a further 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Leigh on Sea station.
Introducing Heritage Fish and Chips at The Britannia. The new look and taste of the nation’s favourite traditional dish. Enjoy a fresh coffee, a tasty Light Bite or delicious meal in this beautifully restored Georgian building in the very heart of Southend Seafront.
A dining experience with great food, live music and an entertainment centre in the shape of the Feelgoods Prize Arcade, all here at Feelgoods Restaurant!
A quintessential coaching inn at the heart of Constable Country. It has been a watering hole for villagers and resting post for travellers for centuries.
The Essex Rose Tea Room serves a range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cooked lunches, hot and cold snacks, cakes and scones.
Wood-fired pizzas and classic pasta dishes in an oak-beamed dining room with bare brick walls.
Housed in a disused lighthouse, the museum has specialised displays on the Royal Navy and commercial shipping. History of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy in Harwich.
Harlow is home to an exceptional and growing collection of over 101 public artworks, including masterpieces by some of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. Plan your visit at www.sculpturetown.uk.
Firstsite is an international gallery and creative community space. See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.
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