As part of a whole season of ‘Christmas in Bath’ 2022 events, there are some very special festivities planned at the Victoria Art Gallery. Local council leader Kevin Guy said in a recent press release:

“This winter is a great time to explore the Victoria Art Gallery, whether you’re looking around the brilliant Peter Brown exhibition, taking part in family activities, or simply popping in to buy Christmas cards in the shop. Don’t forget that local residents can enjoy free admission to all the Gallery’s exhibitions with a Discovery Card.”

We’ve put together a quick roundup of what’s on at the Victoria Art Gallery this December, so you can plan your festive trip to Bath…

Artist-designed Christmas tree

Every year, the gallery invites a talented artist to design a bespoke Christmas tree to stand proudly in the foyer. The tradition is organised by the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery, who in 2022 have chosen artist Angel Greenham to design the tree. 

The finished design has just been unveiled, with an official launch on 24th November to coincide with the opening of the Bath Christmas Market. The tree is inspired by works on display in the gallery, along with classic Christmas traditions – and it even has an original audio piece composed by Gavriel Rubin to accompany it. 

Peter Brown: Bath, Bristol and Beyond

A special exhibition running at the Victoria Art Gallery until 15th January is ‘Peter Brown: Bath, Bristol and Beyond’. You’ll spot many local atmospheric scenes amid the 100 new oil paintings on display, all created by an artist acclaimed as one of the UK’s finest plein air painters. Brown captures his scenes in all weathers and features lots of wintry landscapes, so you can expect to see a snow-covered Bath Circus and Christmas trees in front of Bath Abbey. 

All Wrapped Up

Running at the gallery from 11am to 2.30pm on Saturday 10th December, All Wrapped Up is a brilliant family activity session ideal for getting you into a festive mood. Bring the little ones (ages 3+) and create winter self portraits using print and collage. It’s fun, creative and free too.

Last chance to see The Adoration of the Magi

One of the jewels in the gallery’s crown is The Adoration of the Magi, a beautiful and famous painting by Hugo van der Goes. Dating from around 1480, it’s one of the oldest works in the gallery’s collection – and one of the most important. It depicts the Christmas story and celebrates the birth of baby Jesus. The painting will be heading to Berlin in the new year, for inclusion in a major exhibition, so this is the last chance to see it in Bath. 

Christmas shopping at the Victoria Art Gallery gift shop

The shop at the Victoria Art Gallery is bursting with original gifts, including jewellery, children’s books, stationery and a full range of Peter Brown exhibition products. The shop is also known for its fantastic art-inspired Christmas cards. 

If you’re planning a visit to the Victoria Art Gallery this Christmas, book a stay at one of our beautiful apartments just across the river – Pulteney Bridge View, Argyle Upon Avon or Argyle Retreat.