The Wilson Museum

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra is a community group enabling musicians and performance artists from a range of different backgrounds. The group was established to explore a collaborative space for improvisation and is open to anyone regardless of their ability or education. The group is led by award winning musician Chris Cundy with regular live performances taking place at Cheltenham Festivals.

These workshops explore exercises in creating surprise and spontaneity, conducting with visual pathways into communal music-making, exploring deep listening, and embracing new ways of performing music in public spaces.
Free on every first and third Wednesday of the month, 6-8PM.

OFF GRID
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a free, informal artist-led art group for young people aged 14–17 who want to get creative, try new things, and explore their own ideas. Whether you’re already passionate about art or just curious to experiment, OFF GRID offers a relaxed space to make, create, and connect with other young artists—no experience needed.
Steven Tatlow
Beginners’ Portrait Photography Workshop with Steven Tatlow
This session will introduce the basics of portrait photography, from coming up with ideas to using composition, colour, light, and expression to create striking portraits. Through hands-on practice and creative exercises, you’ll build confidence behind the camera and start developing your own style.
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Please note: a parental permission form must be completed to attend.

Beginners’ Portrait Photography with Steven Tatlow
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
This session will introduce the basics of portrait photography, from coming up with ideas to using composition, colour, light, and expression to create striking portraits. Through hands-on practice and creative exercises, you’ll build confidence behind the camera and start developing your own style.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

Be Brave Balloon: Author Book Reading
2026-07-21 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a special children’s book reading with Roxanne Darby, author of Be Brave Balloon! Be Brave Balloon is a cozy picture book adventure for helping little ones understand that sometimes it’s okay to say goodbye. Perfect for ages 2-6. During this event Roxanne will read the book and lead a couple of interactive activities for little ones. Books will be available for purchase and signing!

Creative Explorers
2026-07-22 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-29 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-12 10:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-19 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 dependent) 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 cafe on the day if you wish, with a 20% discount for Creative Explorers.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Promising Artists Showcase
2026-07-26 10:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00
The Cafe Courtyard Gallery
Promising Artists Art School presents a showcase of watercolour & drawing by our adult and child artists, celebrating creativity, confidence and the joy of learning and making art together.
This showcase features artwork created by students attending the Practical Fine Art courses for adults and children at the Wilson Museum. The exhibition highlights the diverse talents, individual artistic journeys, and growing skills developed through these engaging classes.
Upcoming courses
We have upcoming Practical Fine Art courses for adults and children. These include Introduction to Drawing and Introduction to Watercolour. Learn more and book your place here.

Creative Explorers
2026-08-05 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 dependent) 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 cafe on the day if you wish, with a 20% discount for Creative Explorers.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Coffee With a Curator: In the Footsteps of Edward Adrian Wilson
2026-08-05 13:30 - 14:30
*Please note this month’s Coffee With A Curator has a different format and duration than usual*
Join curator Ann-Rachael Harwood for a special walking tour exploring the life of Edward Wilson in Cheltenham!
Follow in Wilson’s footsteps through Cheltenham and discover the places that shaped his early years. Along the way, consider the striking contrast between his hometown and the Antarctic landscapes he later explored. What did he dream about while surrounded by ice? How did he describe the vastness of Antarctica in letters to his parents back home?
The tour will begin promptly at 1.30pm at the Wilson Museum and Art Gallery. From there, participants will visit a statue by the Town Hall, Wilson’s birthplace, the site of Westal, Cheltenham College, and finally return to the Wilson.
The walking tour will last approximately 60 minutes. Takeaway tea and coffee will be available before the tour begins.
Please note that places are limited, and tickets must be purchased online in advance (no booking fee).
Book Now

WILSON NIGHTS: Monty's Takeover
2026-08-05 18:00 - 21:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
WILSON NIGHTS: Monty’s Takeover
Wednesday 5 August | 6–9pm | FREE
Join us for an energetic evening celebrating skate culture, creativity and community as Friends of Montpellier Skatepark take over The Wilson with workshops, live music, streetwear, skating and plenty of fun.
Turntable Zoetrope Workshop (6–8pm)
Create your own looping animation with Artist in Residence Sarah Fox and watch it come to life using an analogue turntable and digital camera.
Hand drawn street wear designs with Zed (from 7pm)
Artist Zed in the Clouds will be selling original artwork and clothing while inviting you to design your own streetwear graphics inspired by his distinctive style. Your design could even influence the next Montpellier Skatepark merchandise.
Social Grooves Workshop (6–7pm)
Learn classic social dance moves with Your Next Move and City Skate UK. Start in trainers, then swap to skates if you’d like to roll into the moves.
Laughter Yoga
Join Vibrant Kate for a playful session exploring the joy of laughter. No yoga experience (or reason to laugh!) required – just come ready to join in.
Friends of Montpellier DJs (from 7pm)
Expect an evening soundtrack packed with great tunes as the DJs keep the party going.
Free entry (No booking required)

Memory lane Cafe
2026-08-06 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 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Educators: working group invitation
2026-08-07 10:00 - 11:30
Help Shape the Future of Education at The Wilson
As we prepare to open our exciting new museum galleries, we’re looking for educators to help shape the future of The Wilson’s education programme.
We’re inviting teachers and education professionals from across all key stages to join our Education Advisory Panel. Through a series of consultation sessions over the coming year, you’ll have the opportunity to share your ideas, provide feedback and help us develop inspiring learning experiences for children and young people across Gloucestershire.
We welcome participants from all types of educational settings. The more diverse the voices around the table, the stronger and more inclusive our programme will be.
Why get involved?

Help influence the future of learning at The Wilson.
Share your expertise with our museum learning team.
Network with educators from across Gloucestershire.
Gain an insight into how museums create engaging learning programmes, exhibitions and interpretation for schools and families.
Explore opportunities for your own professional development by broadening your understanding of museum education, object-based learning and cultural engagement.
Discover how museums can support curriculum delivery, creativity and cross-curricular learning.
Participation can contribute towards your continuing professional development (CPD), offering valuable experience of museum learning and the chance to develop new skills and perspectives beyond the classroom, with certification provided at the end of the process confirming participation.
Attend all sessions free of charge.
Be entered into a prize draw to win a free workshop for your educational setting.

Whether you’re looking to contribute your expertise, develop new partnerships, broaden your professional experience or are simply interested in how museums inspire learning beyond the classroom, we’d love to welcome you.
Our first session will take place online, with future meetings held in our newly opened museum galleries, giving participants the opportunity to see behind the scenes and experience our developing spaces first-hand.
If you’d like to play a part in shaping the next chapter of learning at The Wilson—and explore how working with museums can support your own professional practice—we’d love to hear from you.
Please email learning@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk to express your interest.

Art Meditation & Inner Peace
2026-08-12 18:00 - 19:30 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Art Meditation & Inner Peace
Join resident artist Albert Chung for a guided meditation experience inspired by artworks from the exhibition, The Art of Looking.
Using selected works from the exhibition as a focus for reflection, Albert will lead participants through a gentle meditation designed to encourage calm, presence, and deeper connection. The session will also incorporate the artist’s i Xing Energy of Light Pyramid as part of the experience.
Explore art beyond the visual and discover new ways of looking, feeling, and being. The session aims to support a sense of inner peace, joy, and wellbeing.
FREE to join. Booking advised.
Book here

OFF GRID
2026-08-19 06:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a free, informal artist-led art group for young people aged 14–17 who want to get creative, try new things, and explore their own ideas. Whether you’re already passionate about art or just curious to experiment, OFF GRID offers a relaxed space to make, create, and connect with other young artists—no experience needed.
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Please note: a parental permission form must be completed to attend.
Guided Drawing Workshop with Atul Bhunkal
Join artist Atul Bhunkal, one of The Wilson’s 2026 Artists in Residence, for a creative guided drawing workshop.
This session is about experimenting, playing with ideas and using drawing as a way to notice, respond and make. You don’t need to be “good at drawing” — the focus is on trying things out and finding your own approach.
All materials provided.

Line by Line: Guided Drawing with Atul Bhunkal
2026-08-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
A relaxed drawing workshop focused on slowing down, noticing details, and experimenting with mark-making. Through quick prompts and collaborative activities, you’ll create drawings that respond to the people and space around you. No experience needed “” just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

Creative Explorers
2026-08-26 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 dependent) 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 cafe on the day if you wish, with a 20% discount for Creative Explorers.
Please note this is a drop-off session.
The cost includes all materials.
Book Now

Coffee With A Curator: Volunteer Special
2026-09-02 13:30 - 14:00
*Please note this month’s Coffee With A Curator will be delivered by Wilson volunteers*
Join us for a special volunteer-led edition of our popular Coffee With A Curator sessions! In this informal half-hour talk, members of our volunteer team will share their research, knowledge and enthusiasm for some of their favourite objects from The Wilson’s extensive collections.
From pottery and works of art to fascinating items that reflect the social history of the Cheltenham area, you’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at objects brought out from the archives and hear the stories that have captured our volunteers’ imaginations.
Book a place for £3, which includes a complimentary tea or coffee.
Book Now

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-09-03 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 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Practical Fine Art Classes for Adults: Introduction to Drawing
2026-09-11 13:30 - 2026-10-09 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 Drawing: Seeing Like an Artist
A foundational course introducing learners to the essential skills of drawing from
observation. Students learn key techniques for line, shape, tone, proportion, and composition
while building confidence in visual expression.

Learning Outcomes:
• Understand basic drawing materials and how to use them effectively.
• Draw from observation using line, shape, and proportion.
• Use light and shadow to create the illusion of form.
• Compose simple still-life drawings with balanced composition.
• Develop confidence in personal drawing style and seeing as an artist.
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.
Autumn Term Dates:
11 September, 18 September, 25 September, 2 October, 9 October
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Practical Fine Art for Children: Introduction to Drawing
2026-09-12 10:00 - 2026-10-10 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 Drawing: Seeing Like an Artist
A foundational course introducing learners to the essential skills of drawing from
observation. Students learn key techniques for line, shape, tone, proportion, and composition
while building confidence in visual expression.

Learning Outcomes:
• Understand basic drawing materials and how to use them effectively.
• Draw from observation using line, shape, and proportion.
• Use light and shadow to create the illusion of form.
• Compose simple still-life drawings with balanced composition.
• Develop confidence in personal drawing style and seeing as an artist.
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.
Autumn Term Dates:
12 September, 19 September, 26 September, 3 October, 10 October
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Hand Sewing Basics: Applique with Alice Biggadike
2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Make your own applique design on a square patch. This will be beginner friendly but can be made suitable for more advanced hand sewers if they are up for more challenging techniques.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-10-01 10:30 - 12:30
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 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December
