The Wilson Museum

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
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, 2026-11-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-18 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-16 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.

Wilson Nights
2026-09-02 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for an evening of storytelling, creativity and shared histories as artists, writers and musicians explore the stories that shape our communities.
Stone Stories with Katie Mary (6–8pm | The Foyle)
Create your own story stone using images, symbols and memory with Artist in Residence Katie Mary. Inspired by everyday moments transformed into future mythology, you’ll add your own unique contribution to a growing collective archive. All materials provided.
Honeybourne Design Engine (6–8pm | The Courtyard)
Explore the hidden stories of Cheltenham with Neith Art & Sculpture. Respond to overlooked local histories and contribute ideas that will help shape a new series of public sculptures along the Honeybourne Line. Add your voice to a collaborative artwork celebrating the people and stories often left out of history.
An Evening with Jim O’Sullivan (8–9pm | The Lounge)
Local author Jim O’Sullivan reads from his novels before discussing the influence of social history on his writing. The evening concludes with a Q&A exploring the creative writing process and the growing impact of AI.
Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra (6–8pm | The Play Café)
Join award-winning musician Chris Cundy and Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra for an open session exploring spontaneous music-making through listening, collaboration and experimentation. Open to musicians, performers and curious beginners alike—no experience necessary.
Free entry • No booking required
Instagram copy:
WILSON NIGHTS: STORIES
An evening of mythology, local history, writing and improvised music at The Wilson.
Create your own Story Stone with Artist in Residence Katie Mary.
Help shape the Honeybourne Design Engine by uncovering Cheltenham’s hidden stories with Neith Art & Sculpture.
Hear local author Jim O’Sullivan read from his novels, followed by a Q&A on writing, social history and AI.
Join Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra for an open session of collaborative music-making – everyone is welcome.
📅 Wednesday 2 September
🕕 6–9pm
📍 The Wilson
🎟 FREE • No booking required
Come along, get involved and help tell the next chapter.

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.

OFF GRID - Hand Sewing Basics
2026-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
FREE
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
16 September – Hand Sewing Basics: Applique with Alice Biggadike
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.

We Are Creators Sessions
2026-09-16 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-10-21 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-18 18:00 - 21:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
We Are Creators Sessions bring together a growing community of makers, performers, musicians and creatives who meet monthly at The Wilson. Led by local artists and organisations, these monthly sessions offer welcoming spaces to learn new skills, meet like-minded people and explore your creativity together.
Community Theatre Group
The Foyle | 6–8pm
A free creative drama group for anyone aged 18+ with an interest in theatre, TV or film – whether on stage or behind the scenes. Explore performing, writing, improvisation, sound, film, design and more through regular practical workshops in a friendly, supportive environment.
There are no auditions, no pressure and no previous experience needed. The group develops creative projects together, from performances and podcasts to film, while offering opportunities to collaborate with professional practitioners along the way.
Who is it for? Anyone aged 18+ with a curious mind and an interest in creativity, whatever your experience.

ND Hub
The Courtyard | 6–8pm
A welcoming peer support group for neurodivergent adults, combining art, craft and conversation in a calm, inclusive environment. Led by ND Hub Gloucestershire, each session uses creativity to explore wellbeing, self-expression and connection in a relaxed, supportive space.
Who is it for? Neurodivergent adults looking to connect creatively with others.

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra
Play Cafe | 6–8pm
An open community for musicians, sound-makers and performance artists of all backgrounds and experience levels. Led by award-winning musician Chris Cundy, the group explores improvisation through listening, collaboration and experimentation, creating original music together in a welcoming environment.
Who is it for? Anyone curious about improvisation, from complete beginners to experienced performers.

Cheltenham Craftivist Collective
The Lounge | 6.30–8.30pm
An inclusive group for anyone interested in craft, creativity and positive change. Bring your own project – or simply come along to be inspired – and enjoy an evening of making, sharing skills and connecting with others. The group also hosts occasional artist-led textile workshops and collaborative creative projects.
Who is it for? Everyone is welcome, whatever your experience.

Zesty Queer Life Drawing
Community Gallery | 7–9pm
A free, welcoming life drawing session celebrating creativity, queerness and self-expression. Hosted by artist Jussara Nazaré, each session combines life drawing with playful creative challenges, colourful costumes and conversations about art, culture and identity.
Who is it for? LGBTQ+ people and allies aged 18+, from complete beginners to experienced artists.

OFF GRID
Artist Studios | 6–8pm
OFF GRID is a free monthly creative club for young people aged 14–17, led by The Wilson’s Artists in Residence. Each session explores a different art form – from animation and photography to wood carving, drawing and performance – giving participants the chance to experiment, develop new skills and meet other young creatives in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Every workshop is designed and led by a different resident artist, offering a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of creative practices throughout the year.
Who is it for? Young people aged 14–17. No previous artistic experience is needed.
How to join
Our monthly We Are Creators Sessions are free and open to everyone – just drop in and get involved. Whether you’re coming on your own or with a friend, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
OFF GRID workshops for 14–17 year olds require advance booking due to limited places. You can book your place through each workshop’s individual event page.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss access requirements before attending, please contact Oliver Tipper at oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk.

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

An ‘After Session’ with Hettie Judah
2026-10-10 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an informal, intimate, daytime event built around art, conversation and community.
The session will open with short presentations from four local artists, each of whom will share their recent and current work.
Hettie Judah then takes a seat at the centre for an open, hour-long conversation, taking questions about the art world, about her work, about navigating a creative life. Bring whatever’s on your mind.
Afterwards, stay for refreshments and a chat. Hettie will also be selling and signing copies of her new book, How to Enter the Art World After — a myth-busting guide for artists whose lives are complicated and human.
“Vital guidance for all artists. Empowering, encouraging and enlightening.” — Robert Diament, Talk Art
About Hettie Judah:
Hettie Judah is a writer and curator. She is a regular contributor to The Guardian, Frieze and The Times Literary Supplement, and writes a monthly column for Apollo magazine. Between 2016 and 2024 she was the chief art critic for the British daily newspaper The i. She was the curator of the acclaimed Hayward Gallery touring exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood.
Book Now

Performance, Costume & Storytelling with Eddie Langham
2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
An interactive and collaborative creative workshop exploring identity, narrative, performance, and image-making through styling and costume. Participants will work together using garments, accessories, live models, and collaborative direction to create visually driven characters and stories that are captured through photography during the session.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

OFF GRID - Performance, Costume & Storytelling
2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
21 October – Performance, Costume & Storytelling with Eddie Langham
An interactive and collaborative creative workshop exploring identity, narrative, performance, and image-making through styling and costume. Participants will work together using garments, accessories, live models, and collaborative direction to create visually driven characters and stories that are captured through photography during the session.

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-11-05 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 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Practical Fine Art Classes for Adults: Introduction to Watercolours
2026-11-13 13:30 - 2026-12-11 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 Watercolour
A practical and creative introduction to watercolour painting, designed for beginners to
explore essential techniques, materials, and colour theory. Students will learn how to control
water and pigment while developing confidence in painting expressive studies.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand and prepare essential watercolour materials.
• Understand foundation colour theory, mix and layer colours with confidence.
• Apply key techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and glazing.
• Explore experimental watercolour methods.
• Use tone, contrast, and texture effectively.
• Complete a watercolour composition.
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.
Winter Term Dates:
13 November, 20 November, 27 November, 4 December, 11 December
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 Watercolour
2026-11-14 10:00 - 2026-12-12 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. Plenty of time for one-to-one support in these small groups too.
Introduction to Watercolour
A practical and creative introduction to watercolour painting, designed for beginners to
explore essential techniques, materials, and colour theory. Students will learn how to control
water and pigment while developing confidence in painting expressive studies.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand and prepare essential watercolour materials.
• Understand foundation colour theory, mix and layer colours with confidence.
• Apply key techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and glazing.
• Explore experimental watercolour methods.
• Use tone, contrast, and texture effectively.
• Complete a watercolour composition.
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.
Winter Term Dates:
14 November, 21 November, 28 November, 5 December, 12 December
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Where the Birds AR: Meditative Ink Wash with Albert Chung
2026-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Inspired by migratory birds and contemporary ink painting, this workshop combines colouring, ink wash and augmented reality. Participants will colour and paint their own bird using Chinese ink and watercolour, then bring it to life through the Where the Birds AR app. The session will also include a short-guided meditation and meditative ink wash activity, encouraging creativity, calm and reflection. No experience needed.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

OFF GRID - Where the Birds AR
2026-11-18 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
18 November: Where the Birds AR: Meditative Ink Wash with Albert Chung
Inspired by migratory birds and contemporary ink painting, this workshop combines colouring, ink wash and augmented reality. Participants will colour and paint their own bird using Chinese ink and watercolour, then bring it to life through the Where the Birds AR app. The session will also include a short-guided meditation and meditative ink wash activity, encouraging creativity, calm and reflection. No experience needed.

Christmas Coffee With a Curator
2026-12-02 13:30 - 14:30
First Wednesday of every month, 1.30pm ““ 2pm
These informal sessions held in The Wilson cafÃ© lounge area at lunchtime on the first Wednesday of the month give you the chance to join one of our curators for a half hour chat as they introduce pieces from The Wilson’s extensive collections.
From pottery and works of art to items that reflect the social history of the Cheltenham area, you’ll get to have a closer look at the objects as they are brought out of the archives.
There will be a different object every month. Book a place for £3, which will include a complimentary tea or coffee from the cafÃ©. For updates and more details of the objects and subjects for each monthly session, see our Facebook and Instagram

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-12-03 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.

Wood Carving Motifs with Richard Woods
2026-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wilson, The Wilson Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 13JT, United Kingdom
Carve and paint your own hand-carved motif inspired by printmaking blocks of the past! Taking inspiration from the museum’s collection and festive themes.
This series of sessions is part of the OFF GRID programme for 14 to 17s only.
Further info here.

OFF GRID - Wood Carving Motifs
2026-12-16 18:00 - 20:00
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
All sessions run 6 – 8pm at The Wilson
Free to attend
Limited to 10 places per session – booking essential!
To book: oliver.tipper@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
16 December – Wood Carving Motifs with Richard Woods
Carve and paint your own hand-carved motif inspired by printmaking blocks of the past! Taking inspiration from the museum’s collection and festive themes.
