Southampton City Art Gallery to reopen after refurbishment

Southampton City Art Gallery will reopen on Saturday, March 7, unveiling a new series of exhibitions and recent acquisitions.

Among the new displays is Centrifugal Forces (2024), a sculpture by Laura Ford, purchased with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of Southampton’s Museums, Archives and Galleries.

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Southampton City Art Gallery reopens on Saturday, March 7. (Image: Joe Low Photography)

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of the Council, said: “We are proud that Southampton holds one of the finest regional collections in the UK.

“This is largely due to the generosity of individual donors and grant giving bodies which have provided exceptional support over the years and continue to do so today.

“We hope that this will carry on long into the future to support our wonderful Gallery for residents of Southampton and our many visitors to enjoy.

“I can’t wait to see all the new artworks as well as Emma Richardson’s exhibition in this wonderful space that is such a great cultural asset for our city.”

Southampton-based artist Julian Grater is also featured in the reimagined space with his series of charcoal drawings exploring the rapidly changing high arctic.

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Leanne Manfredi, national programmes lead, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Victoria and Albert Museum, said: “The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales.

“We are delighted that the major new acquisition, Centrifugal Forces, 2024, by the internationally acclaimed artist Laura Ford has been acquired by Southampton City Art Gallery.

“Its place in the newly refurbished displays form part of a series of exciting new acquisitions shown for the first time since they have come into the collection.

“The work will inspire audiences for years to come.”

Artist Laura Ford said: “I am thrilled to be included in the Southampton City Arts Gallery hugely impressive and internationally renowned collection, and I would like to thank all those who have made the purchase possible.”