The Wilson Museum

Practical Fine Art for Adults: Winter
2026-01-09 13:30 - 2026-02-06 15:30 (Europe/London)
Join our Practical Fine Art for Beginners course and unlock your creativity!
Our lessons are tailored for those with little-to-no experience in art, but feel the desire to discover and create. At the end of the course, you will have honed your skills and gained confidence in your ability to produce your own artwork. Start your journey as an artist today.
About Kitty McLeod
The tutor, Kitty McLeod, of Promising Artists, trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art drawing & painting, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty runs a small art school in Cheltenham and art courses for the National Trust.
Price is for a course of 5 sessions and includes all materials.
Dates 2026
Winter Term: 9 January ““ 6 February
Winter/Spring: 27 February ““ 27 March
Spring: 17 April ““ 15 May
Summer: 5 June ““ 3 July
Book Now

Practical Fine Art for Children: Winter Term
2026-01-10 10:00 - 2026-02-07 11:30
For keen young artists of all levels. The perfect complement to school art lessons, whether studying at primary or GCSE level. Practical, how-to skills: observational drawing techniques, multi-media exploration, adventures in colour and more. There is plenty of time for one-to-one support in these small groups too.
About Kitty McLeod
Kitty McLeod trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops, organising events, parties, and face painting with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty’s students have won art scholarships to Cheltenham College, Rendcombe College and King’s School.
Winter Term: 10 January ““ 7 February
Winter/Spring: 28 February ““ 28 March
Spring: 18 April ““ 16 May
Summer: 6 June ““ 4 July
Book Now

The Art of Making Face Mugs
2026-01-11 11:00 - 13:00
Learn the art of making face pots with artist in residence at The Wilson, Adam Rush. You will guided through the fundamental techniques of sculpting a face onto a pot. You will get hands-on experience using clay to build features like noses, eyes, mouths, and learn how to attach them securely to a pre-made pot. Adam will share tips and tricks for adding character and expressions to your creation, so each pot has its own personality.
FREE (to book your place email oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk)

Mapping Hyperrealities
2026-01-17 14:00 - 16:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Join artist-in-residence Harriet Hughes for an experimental, hands-on workshop exploring how digital media shapes the way we see and create.
Harriet will guide participants in transforming ephemeral short-form video content into collaborative drawings. Together, we’ll reimagine the purpose of these fleeting images, inspired by philosopher Jean Baudrillard’s ideas of hyperreality.
This workshop is part of the residents’ exhibition programme, relating to Harriet’s new series of still lives, which were observed entirely from online imagery. Harriet Hughes is a multi-disciplinary artist who uses dolls to satirise consumer culture, questioning how the perception of self is continually exploited in order to produce profit.
Please bring your phone with you to the workshop.
No booking required just turn up.

Slow Looking
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:00
Begin the new year with a moment of stillness and a fresh way of looking at art. Join artist in residence Emily Oswald for a guided Slow Looking practice “” an invitation to pause, observe, and connect more deeply with the artworks on display.
Family-friendly Session: 10:00 ““ 10:45am
Exploring the Community Gallery together through playful and mindful looking designed for families with children.

Slow Looking
2026-01-21 14:00 - 15:00
Begin the new year with a moment of stillness and a fresh way of looking at art. Join artist in residence Emily Oswald for a guided Slow Looking practice “” an invitation to pause, observe, and connect more deeply with the artworks on display.
Adult Session: 1:00 ““ 2:00pm
A relaxed, reflective session inviting adults to take their time and experience art at a slower pace.

Performance Techniques Workshops: Acting for Stage & TV
2026-01-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Performance Techniques Workshops: Acting for Stage + TV (Taster Sessions)
When: 21 & 28 January 2026
Where: The Wilson (Foyle)
Time: 6″“8pm
Cost: Free
Who for: Adults of all ages (18+) “” no experience needed
Want to pick up new performance skills in a friendly, supportive setting? Join us for two practical workshops exploring performance techniques for stage and screen, led by two award-winning facilitators.
Across the sessions we’ll play with key skills including:

Confidence, presence and projection
Character, intention and emotional truth
Working with text, improvisation and storytelling
Acting for camera vs acting for stage
Ensemble work and creative collaboration

These workshops are also a chance to help shape something new. Alongside the skill-building, we’ll explore ideas for a new multimedia/performance group – and you can be part of framing what it becomes, whether you’re interested in performing, writing, directing, design, tech/backstage, or creative producing.
This is a free, inclusive programme aimed at supporting people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels to access the arts for enjoyment, connection, and personal development.
Facilitators
Tony Benet is a highly experienced drama teacher, director and professional performer, and a recipient of a National Teaching Lifetime Achievement Award.
James Moore is an acclaimed professional actor and disability rights campaigner who has starred in ITV’s Emmerdale for the past seven years, and is a National Television Award winner (voted by the public).

Drink and Draw
2026-01-22 19:30 - 21:00
Perfect for anyone who’s curious about drawing but put off by traditional art classes “” this is your chance to explore, experiment, and enjoy a night of creativity, conversation, and maybe a glass (or two) of your favourite drink.
Come for the art, stay for the laughs “” and leave with sketches you’ll be proud of!
This event is 18+. Price includes a welcome glass of fizz or locally crafted beer, cider or ale. Non alcoholic options and hot drinks are also available.
All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Book Now

History of Art Lectures: From Da Vinci to Dali
2026-01-28 18:30 - 19:30
‘From Da Vinci to Dali’
History of Art with Sarah Middleton
Four stand-alone lectures exploring famous artists across different eras in an amusing introduction to the history of art.
If you think you know these artists, think again! Sarah will be unearthing some unexpected anecdotes that you may not have heard of before. Have fun getting to know Da Vinci to Dali in a whole new light.
Join us for a fascinating cultural discovery!
About Sarah
Sarah Middleton is a painter, art historian and lecturer. She studied Italian and History of Art at UCL and courses at The Courtauld and Slade School of Fine Art. Sarah works as a communications consultant and lectures all over the Cotswolds, including giving Arts & Crafts Tours in Painswick.
Www.sarah-middleton.co.uk
Da Vinci and the Dames: The female portraits of Leonardo da Vinci
Wednesday 10th September
6.30 – 7.30pm
Turner and his Travels: Venetian light and Roman romance
Wednesday 22st October
6.30 – 7.30pm
Picasso and his animals: the Eccentric & the Exotic
Wednesday 28th January (Rescheduled)
6.30 – 7.30pm
Dali & Dadaism: Camembert Clocks
Wednesday 10th December
6.30 – 7.30pm
Book Now

Cheltenham's BIG Museum Project Online Workshop
2026-01-30 13:00 - 14:30
We will be holding 3 online workshops over the next few months to give our online communities a chance to participate in Cheltenham’s BIG Museum Project. Hear about what the data is saying so far, learn about the history of The Wilson, discuss key questions and step into the shoes of a curator by having a go at writing your own interpretation of an object in the collection.
This is your chance to have your say about the future of your museum.
Friday 30th January, 2026 ““ 1:00pm ““ 2:30pm GMT
Monday 16th February, 2026 ““ 10am ““ 11:30am GMT
Wednesday 4th March, 2026 ““ 7pm ““ 8:30pm GMT
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 310 177 273 458 06
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join now

Back to the Roots
2026-01-31 14:00 - 16:00
Jussara Nazare will bring to The Wilson, a nature themed dance exploring identity through costume and music. The show deep dives into the human disconnection to the natural world and how we can renew and regenerate our mindset towards mother earth.
KOMI will be producing live music inspired by the sounds of nature whilst Juice NazNaz, artist in residence, will experiment with performance art to deliver the show, which interweaves the organic form with mind bending sounds guiding the audience through a mindful walk in the wild.
FREE no need to book

Coffee With a Curator
2026-02-04 13:30 - 14:30
Grab a cuppa and join one of our curators for a lunch-time chat, as they introduce you to one of our collection’s objects in the comfort of The Wilson Kitchen.
Wednesday 4 February
Small objects; big stories – Find out some interesting stories about some of the smallest objects held in The Wilson’s collection.
Tickets are also available for purchase on the day of the event at the cafe till.
Book Now

Wilson Nights
2026-02-04 18:00 - 21:00
Wilson Nights is a vibrant, free monthly event held at The Wilson on the first Wednesday of each month. These evenings are designed to celebrate creativity and community through a diverse array of artist-led activities and performances. Every event is different, however, there are a number of regular workshops to get involved in, led by our resident community groups. Keep up to date with what’s going on via our Instagram page.

Wilson Nights - Dance Double Bill
2026-02-04 18:00 - 21:00
YOUR NEXT MOVE and APT Dance Company take over The Wilson with performances, an open jam, and a popping workshop with Boogiee Jaff. Stick around for film, DJs, and the return of the Wilson Artists’ Art Quiz!
Your Next Move – Dedicated to uplifting the aspirations of the youth through immersive experiences in the dynamic tapestry of hip-hop culture.
APT Dance Company – We are an inclusive dance company that work co-creatively to devise honest and immersive art to share with all!

Home Educators Workshop: Edward Wilson "“ Life in Antarctica
2026-02-05 10:00 - 15:00
The Wilson Learning Team is delighted to offer a workshop for Home Educators and their children aged 4-14.
Come and learn about Edward Wilson and his role on the Terra Nova expedition and the Antarctic environment in which he lived and worked.
Discover how Wilson and the other men on the Terra Nova expedition lived and worked in Antarctica, trying some of the food they ate and even getting to try on some replica clothing which has been to Antarctica!
This is a hands-on session where we will explore the harsh and unforgiving landscape that the team endured to reach the South Pole, including their quest to study the penguins in what was called ‘The Worst Journey in the World’ by one of the survivors.
Accompanying adults do not require a ticket but please note this is not a drop off session and adults are encouraged to join in activities with their children.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact learning@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
10am to 12pm – 4 to 9 year olds
1pm to 3pm – 9 to 14 year olds
Book Now

Memory Lane CafÃ©
2026-02-05 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-05 10:30 - 12:00
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia!
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 8 January
Thursday 5 February
Thursday 5 March
Thursday 2 April
Thursday 7 May
Thursday 4 June
Thursday 2 July
Thursday 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Domestic Duster Stitching
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00
We are delighted to have the opportunity to take part in artist Vanessa Marr’s Domestic Duster project, joining our voices to those of hundreds of other women. Our dusters will form part of this important collection.
This collaborative arts and practice-based research project explores contemporary perspectives on the everyday lives of women. Participants are invited to embroider their domestic thoughts, feelings, complaints, and celebrations as words or images onto a yellow duster. Each duster is unique and hand-stitched, transforming it from a cleaning cloth into a voice for women today. This act of craftivism (craft and activism) invites conversations and challenges the legacy of so-called women’s work.
FREE (no need to book)

Cheltenham's BIG Museum Project Online Workshop
2026-02-16 10:00 - 11:30
We will be holding 3 online workshops over the next few months to give our online communities a chance to participate in Cheltenham’s BIG Museum Project. Hear about what the data is saying so far, learn about the history of The Wilson, discuss key questions and step into the shoes of a curator by having a go at writing your own interpretation of an object in the collection.
This is your chance to have your say about the future of your museum.
Monday 16th February, 2026 ““ 10am ““ 11:30am GMT. Join here.
Wednesday 4th March, 2026 ““ 7pm ““ 8:30pm GMT

Creative Explorers - February Half Term
2026-02-18 10:00 - 15:00
An artist led holiday club for 4-11 year olds who love to make, share and play. We will collaborate on engaging individual and group craft projects with a focus on nature, the world around us and free play to encourage creativity, language and expression within the arts.
This informal holiday workshop will be fun and light, providing your child with the chance to express themselves artistically while making new friends and learning new skills.
We will take a tour of the galleries, explore the works on display and (weather dependant) we will take a nature walk outside, so please supply a coat if you are happy for your child to join.
Please note:
“¢ On sunny days we like to get outside! If you are not happy for your child to leave the building then please let us know on the morning of the session.
“¢ Children aged 4 are only permitted to attend on a shorter day of 11-3 according to government safeguarding guidelines. If you book a 4-year-old on to any of our holiday club days you will not be allowed to drop them off before 11am.
“¢ We may get messy! Please send your child in old clothes that you don’t mind them making and playing in, as we do occasionally use materials that may be harder to wash out.
“¢ Please pack your child a drinks bottle, so that they can help themselves through the day. Feel free to pack them a snack as well ““ exploring can be hungry work!
“¢ Children should bring a bag to help them carry home all their crafts and keep them safe through the day.
All children will now need a packed lunch, there is no longer the option to add it to your ticket booking. Please note nuts are not permitted in packed lunches due to allergies.
‘Arty’ lunch boxes will be available to purchase from the cafÃ© on the day if you wish.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Make A Fairytale Book: Family Drop-In Activity
2026-02-20 11:00 - 13:00
Step into a world of imagination!
Inspired by Paula Rego’s twists on classic stories, this hands-on workshop invites families to create their very own mini fairy tale book.
Pick a character, setting, and a mood or twist, then bring your story to life with drawing and writing.
Come along and let your imagination run wild!

Introduction to Goldwork Embroidery
2026-02-21 14:00 - 16:30
Join previous artist resident Grace Gatley for an introduction to goldwork embroidery, where you’ll learn the art of this centuries-old heritage technique. Using traditional materials like pearl purl, smooth purl, and bright check, you will create a sparkling motif inspired by the stained glass windows of Cheltenham Minster, and learn how to transform your work into a wearable piece of art or heirloom decoration for your home.
Suitable for all skill levels, we’ll embroider for two hours with a 30-minute tea break in between. You will be able to work at your own pace with plenty of hands-on support, leaving with a beautiful finished piece, or the new skills, knowledge, and materials to complete your piece at home.
FREE to attend but booking is essential as places are limited. Email oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk

We Are Creators: Artist Panel Q&A
2026-02-22 13:00 - 14:00
FREE
Join our We Are Creators Artists in residence, along with guest curator Nicola Organ, as they explore their practice, working together and some of the themes and threads from their group exhibition ‘Meeting Points’.

Practical Fine Art for Adults: Winter - Spring
2026-02-27 13:30 - 2026-03-27 15:30
Join our Practical Fine Art for Beginners course and unlock your creativity!
Our lessons are tailored for those with little-to-no experience in art, but feel the desire to discover and create. At the end of the course, you will have honed your skills and gained confidence in your ability to produce your own artwork. Start your journey as an artist today.
Introduction to Sculpture: Form, Expression, and Abstraction
This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculptural form, from basic
construction techniques to expressive abstraction and facial modelling. Learners explore
materials, texture, and proportion while developing spatial awareness and creative
confidence.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
“¢ Understand basic sculptural materials and tools.
“¢ Construct and model simple three-dimensional forms.
“¢ Apply principles of proportion and anatomy to facial features.
“¢ Experiment with abstraction and expressive forms.
“¢ Produce finished sculptures that reflect individual creativity.
About Kitty McLeod
The tutor, Kitty McLeod, of Promising Artists, trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art drawing & painting, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty runs a small art school in Cheltenham and art courses for the National Trust.
Price is for a course of 5 sessions and includes all materials.
Dates 2026
Winter Term: 9 January ““ 6 February
Winter/Spring: 27 February ““ 27 March
Spring: 17 April ““ 15 May
Summer: 5 June ““ 3 July
Fridays, 1.30pm ““ 3.30pm
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Practical Fine Art for Children: Winter/Spring
2026-02-28 10:00 - 2026-03-28 11:30
For keen young artists of all levels. The perfect complement to school art lessons, whether studying at primary or GCSE level. Practical, how-to skills: observational drawing techniques, multi-media exploration, adventures in colour and more. There is plenty of time for one-to-one support in these small groups too.
Introduction to Sculpture: Form, Expression, and Abstraction
This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculptural form, from basic
construction techniques to expressive abstraction and facial modelling. Learners explore
materials, texture, and proportion while developing spatial awareness and creative
confidence.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
“¢ Understand basic sculptural materials and tools.
“¢ Construct and model simple three-dimensional forms.
“¢ Apply principles of proportion and anatomy to facial features.
“¢ Experiment with abstraction and expressive forms.
“¢ Produce finished sculptures that reflect individual creativity.
About Kitty McLeod
Kitty McLeod trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops, organising events, parties, and face painting with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty’s students have won art scholarships to Cheltenham College, Rendcombe College and King’s School.
Winter/Spring: 28 February ““ 28 March
Spring: 18 April ““ 16 May
Summer: 6 June ““ 4 July
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Coffee With a Curator
2026-03-04 13:30 - 14:30
Grab a cuppa and join one of our curators for a lunch-time chat, as they introduce you to one of our collection’s objects in the comfort of The Wilson Kitchen.
Wednesday 4 March
Cheltenham’s buildings – mysteries and histories! Cheltenham is more than just a Regency town, hear stories from The Wilson’s Curator of Art featuring Cheltenham’s famous donut to stories of shopping and the high street in times gone by!
Tickets are also available for purchase on the day of the event at the cafe till.
Book Now

Wilson Nights: UoG Takeover!
2026-03-04 18:00 - 21:00
University of Gloucestershire Popular Music students take over this month’s Wilson Nights with a range of site specific audio and visual works, performances and installations!
Parkland Records: Sonic Placemaking
A series of site-specific audio-visual works.
Process as Practice
An exhibition of musical sketches and experiments exploring process-based creativity.
Paula Rego: In Sound
Responding to Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature, songwriting students use live looping to build and reshape musical material.

Cheltenham's BIG Museum Project Online Workshop
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:30
We will be holding 3 online workshops over the next few months to give our online communities a chance to participate in Cheltenham’s BIG Museum Project. Hear about what the data is saying so far, learn about the history of The Wilson, discuss key questions and step into the shoes of a curator by having a go at writing your own interpretation of an object in the collection.
This is your chance to have your say about the future of your museum.
Friday 30th January, 2026 ““ 1:00pm ““ 2:30pm GMT
Monday 16th February, 2026 ““ 10am ““ 11:30am GMT
Wednesday 4th March, 2026 ““ 7pm ““ 8:30pm GMT
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/37807475199020?p=GwhtwcyCeFoC5qWGCi
Meeting ID: 378 074 751 990 20
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Cheltenham’s BIG Museum Project is made possible using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to create a space that celebrates Cheltenham’s heritage.

Join now

Rego's Story World: Home Educator's Drama Workshop
2026-03-12 10:30 - 12:00
Designed for home educators, this workshop brings Paula Rego’s Jane Eyre to life! Using her artworks for inspiration and objects from the museum’s handling collection, families will explore characters, emotions, and storytelling through playful drama and creative storytelling.
All levels of experience and ability are welcome. Please wear clothes and shoes that you can comfortably move in.This workshop is designed for ages 7″“12. Younger or older children are welcome if parents feel the session is suitable for their child’s level.
Accompanying adults do not require a ticket but please note this is not a drop off session.
Facilitated by Jennifer Taylor, from Thrive Drama.
Book Here
