Grundy Art Gallery

The Grundy Art Gallery is a beautiful art venue situated in the centre of Blackpool. Its stunning architecture hosts an extensive programme of temporary exhibitions including historical, modern and contemporary art, featuring established and emerging artists, as well as displays from its permanent collection.

Blackpool Council commissioned the building of the Grundy Art Gallery in 1908 following a bequest of thirty-three artworks and a financial gift from brothers John and Cuthbert Grundy; the latter referred to at the time as: 'A leader of the artistic, literary and scientific life of the town'. The building, along with its adjoining neighbour the Central Public Library, was designed by architects Cullen, Lockhead and Brown and opened on 26th October 1911.

A purchase fund for new artworks was set up in 1912, and by the late 1930s the collection and general ambition had outgrown the original building. An extension of two extra galleries was built and opened in 1938. The collection now contains close to two thousand objects. These include Victorian oils and watercolours, modern British paintings, contemporary prints, jewellery and video, oriental ivories, ceramics, and photographs of historic Blackpool. Dame Laura Knight, Lucy Kemp-Welch, Eric Ravilious, Augustus John, Charles Spencelayh, Martin Creed, Craigie Aitchison and Gilbert and George are amongst the artists whose work is represented.

Exhibitions featuring works from the gallery's collection are organised throughout the year.