Allen Gallery | Hampshire Cultural Trust
Source: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/allen-gallery
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:32
Allen Gallery | Hampshire Cultural Trust
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Allen Gallery
Closed for redevelopment until 2027
Today's opening hours: Closed
Rediscovering the Allen Gallery – Big changes ahead!
Alton’s Allen Gallery is home to one of the nation’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. Since 2022, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been on a journey to rediscover the Allen Gallery for the community and town of Alton.
Now, the next chapter is about to begin!
The Allen Gallery closed on Tuesday 23 December 2025 for major redevelopment -
a transformation that will breathe new life into this much-loved space. We’re creating a vibrant cultural hub with refurbished galleries, a dedicated community space and fresh ways to experience our nationally and internationally important ceramics. Together, we can make the Allen Gallery an even more inspiring place for generations to come.
Find out more about the project
About the Allen Gallery
Situated in the historic market town of Alton, the Allen Gallery is an intimate setting for one of the south’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. The gallery hosts an impressive and varied selection of pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day.
The front section of the gallery was originally a stable and coachman’s house. William Hugh Curtis, the final owner of the building, left the premises in his will to be used as a public museum. The gallery opened its doors in 1963 and in 1979 was extended with funds from the WH Allen Bequest and Hampshire County Council. On the ground floor of the gallery are the main exhibition areas, shop,
café and toilets, and on the first floor you will find our children's activity area as well as more displays showcasing our excellent ceramics collection. When you have finished your trip to the gallery, why not pay a visit to our sister venue in Alton, the
Curtis Museum
, home to one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire.
Alongside its inspiring permanent displays, the Allen Gallery hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibitions all year round, as well as a regular programme of fun events and activities for all the family to enjoy, drop-in sessions, talks and bookable workshops.
Things to do
The gallery is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few of the things you can do during your visit:
Discover our outstanding collection of ceramics, porcelain and tiles
Younger visitors can explore the gallery with our activity bags, dressing-up clothes, workshops and drop-in activities
Find out about former director of Farnham Art School, WH Allen, and his paintings
Relax in our tranquil gardens
Browse the museum shop and visit our welcoming café. Bring your own cup for 30p off your hot drink!
Ceramics at the Allen Gallery
Visitors to Alton have been able to see fine English pottery and porcelain in the town since the early 1930s, when local resident Major Ross Bignell first contributed items to the nearby Curtis Museum. Many of these pieces were transferred to the Allen Gallery in 1980 and are still on show today.
The gallery continues to display a wide range of ceramics, from Wedgwood and English Delftware to unique studio pottery. Of the 3,000 pieces currently on show, the majority are drawn from around the UK, but they sit alongside Eastern Asian and continental wares which have historically influenced the ceramics industry in this country.
Object of the month
This month we take a look at the Queen of Hearts Cheese Dish and Cover.
This stoneware cheese dish, with coloured and metallic glazes was made by Jenny Beavan in 1977. It was created to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
can find out more
here
.
WH Allen
William Herbert Allen’s life as a working artist spanned more than fifty years, from the late 1880s to the early 1940s. He became Art Master and later director at Farnham School of Art, whilst also painting thousands of pictures of the countryside around the south of England and the continent. Regular exhibitions of original WH Allen watercolours and oils take place in the Allen Gallery, which was named in his honour.
Hidden treasures
The gallery contains pieces by some of the best-known names in ceramics and sculpture. Items by Lucie Rie can be seen and the tin-glazed earthenware collection, containing examples of English and European work, is of international importance. The gallery is also home to a range of sculptures, with a Parian ware bust of Queen Victoria and a bronze sculpture of a woman known as ‘Dolores’ by the American sculptor, Jacob Epstein.
Garden
Picturesque and tranquil, the Allen Gallery garden dates back to the days when founder William Curtis lived at 4 High Street in Alton. The garden’s sundial is mounted on a baluster from the Old London Bridge which was presented by Alderman James Curtis. Our gardens are tended by a team of volunteers who maintain a beautiful and relaxing space for our visitors to enjoy. Situated in the gallery garden is a life-size sculpture of two young girls playfully dancing, based on sculptor Roger Burnett’s own daughters.
Your visit
Café and picnics
Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from our café.
Bring your own cup!
Get 30p off your next hot drink in the museum café when you bring your own reusable cup! Simply present your cup to a member of staff to claim your discount.
Accessibility
The Allen Gallery has level access to the ground floor only.
Assistance dogs are welcome, as long as they are clearly identifiable.
Group and school visits
To arrange a group visit or booking, please call the Allen Gallery on 01420 82802.
The Allen Gallery welcomes young visitors to study our permanent display of ceramics. We also hold a programme of regularly changing exhibitions which often have specific opportunities for schools.
For more information, please email
alton.museums@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
or call 01420 82802.
How to get here
By bus: Alton is served by buses from surrounding major towns. All buses terminate at Alton railway station, which is a five minute walk from the gallery.
By rail: Alton railway station is within walking distance of the gallery.
By car: the Allen Gallery is located near the centre of Alton. There is public pay and display parking nearby.
Venue hire
To hire the Allen Gallery, please call 01420 82802.
Opening hours and facilities
The Allen Gallery will be closed until early 2027
Thu 23rd Apr:
Closed
Fri 24th Apr:
Closed
Sat 25th Apr:
Closed
Sun 26th Apr:
Closed
Mon 27th Apr:
Closed
Tue 28th Apr:
Closed
Wed 29th Apr:
Closed
Facilities
Baby change
Café
Disabled access
Gift shop
Picnic/eating area
School/education groups
Toilets
What's on
Artist Residency Opportunity: William Allen and his Work - developing a creative response to the Allen Gallery collection
Deadline Friday 15 May 2026
View more events
Please support the Allen Gallery today
Help us to rediscover the Allen Gallery's nationally significant ceramics collection and to continue supporting our local community. Thank you.
Donation added to basket
View basket
Failed to add donation
How to get here
Tel:
01420 82802
Email:
Email us
Address -
View on map
Allen Gallery, Church Street, Alton GU34 2BW
Press enquiries
Tel: 07710 093821
Email us
Stay connected
Allen Gallery, Alton
Situated in the historic market town of Alton, the Allen Gallery is an intimate setting for one of the south’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. The gallery hosts an impressive and varied selection of pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day.
The front section of the gallery was originally a stable and coachman’s house. William Hugh Curtis, the final owner of the building, left the premises in his will to be used as a public museum. The gallery opened its doors in 1963 and in 1979 was extended with funds from the WH Allen Bequest and Hampshire County Council.
On the ground floor of the gallery are the main exhibition areas, shop,
café and toilets, and on the first floor you will find our children's activity area as well as more displays showcasing our excellent ceramics collection. When you have finished your trip to the gallery, why not pay a visit to our sister venue in Alton, the
Curtis Museum
, home to one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire.
Rate us on Tripadvisor
Came here to meet a friend for tea and sat out in their beautiful garden full of flowers and herbs. The volunteers were so friendly and the location is amazing . It's like a little oasis in the middle of Alton
Ruthybab
Sign up to our newsletter to hear about our upcoming exhibitions, events and news
Sign up
About us
About us
Our work as a charity
Meet the team
Work for us
Volunteer with us
Environment
Equity, diversity and inclusion
HCT 2030
Impact reports
What's on
All events
Children & family activities
Exhibitions
Classes
Workshops
Comedy
Music
Theatre
Visit
Aldershot Military Museum
Allen Gallery
Andover Museum
Basing House
City Space at The Arc, Winchester
Curtis Museum
Forest Arts Centre
Gosport Museum and Art Gallery
Hampshire Wardrobe
Milestones Museum
Museum of the Iron Age
Tickets
Red House Museum and Gardens
Rockbourne Roman Villa
The Arc
The Gallery at The Arc, Winchester
West End Centre
The Great Hall with Westgate Museum
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Winchester City Museum
Our work
Social Impact
Children & Young People Fund
Young People - Home Education
Young People - Stepping Stones
Health and Wellbeing - Brighter Futures
Criminal Justice - HMP Winchester
Past Projects
Past Projects - 100 Thank Yous
Past Projects - Basingstoke Peace Project
Past Projects - Be the Inspiration
Past Projects - Block2block
Past Projects - Creative Wellbeing: Military Heritage
Past Projects - Create and Connect
Past Projects - Creating Change
Past Projects - Creative Boxes
Past Projects - Cultural Pathways
Past Projects - Depth of Me
Past Projects - Horizon 20:20
Past Projects - ICE Heritage
Past Projects - The ICE Project
Past Projects - Industrious Minds
Past Projects - My Gosport
Past Projects - On The Move
Past Projects - The Resilience Garden
Past Projects - Still Curious
Past Projects - Summer Arts Award
Past Projects - Welcome to Whitehill & Bordon
Culture Connects
Jane Austen 250
Collections
Buckskin & South Ham: 60 Years of Memories in Basingstoke
Data Hunters and Story Gatherers
Engert Watford Motor Museum
Hampshire Young Poets
Gosport Heritage Generator
Impact map
Shop
Ticket gift vouchers
Online shop
Education
Culture on Call
Collections
Education
News
Work for us
Contact
Skip to main content
Menu
Contact us
My account
Login
item(s)
Support us
All our venues
Museums
Aldershot Military Museum
Allen Gallery
Andover Museum
Basing House
City Museum, Winchester
City Museum, Winchester
Curtis Museum
Milestones Museum
Milestones Museum
Museum of the Iron Age
Red House Museum and Gardens
Rockbourne Roman Villa
The Great Hall with Westgate Museum
The Great Hall with Westgate Museum
Galleries
City Space
Gosport Museum and Art Gallery
The Gallery
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Arts
Forest Arts Centre
Forest Arts Centre
The Arc
The Arc
West End Centre
West End Centre
Costume Hire
Hampshire Wardrobe
Allen Gallery
Closed for redevelopment until 2027
Today's opening hours: Closed
Rediscovering the Allen Gallery – Big changes ahead!
Alton’s Allen Gallery is home to one of the nation’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. Since 2022, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been on a journey to rediscover the Allen Gallery for the community and town of Alton.
Now, the next chapter is about to begin!
The Allen Gallery closed on Tuesday 23 December 2025 for major redevelopment -
a transformation that will breathe new life into this much-loved space. We’re creating a vibrant cultural hub with refurbished galleries, a dedicated community space and fresh ways to experience our nationally and internationally important ceramics. Together, we can make the Allen Gallery an even more inspiring place for generations to come.
Find out more about the project
About the Allen Gallery
Situated in the historic market town of Alton, the Allen Gallery is an intimate setting for one of the south’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. The gallery hosts an impressive and varied selection of pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day.
The front section of the gallery was originally a stable and coachman’s house. William Hugh Curtis, the final owner of the building, left the premises in his will to be used as a public museum. The gallery opened its doors in 1963 and in 1979 was extended with funds from the WH Allen Bequest and Hampshire County Council. On the ground floor of the gallery are the main exhibition areas, shop,
café and toilets, and on the first floor you will find our children's activity area as well as more displays showcasing our excellent ceramics collection. When you have finished your trip to the gallery, why not pay a visit to our sister venue in Alton, the
Curtis Museum
, home to one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire.
Alongside its inspiring permanent displays, the Allen Gallery hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibitions all year round, as well as a regular programme of fun events and activities for all the family to enjoy, drop-in sessions, talks and bookable workshops.
Things to do
The gallery is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few of the things you can do during your visit:
Discover our outstanding collection of ceramics, porcelain and tiles
Younger visitors can explore the gallery with our activity bags, dressing-up clothes, workshops and drop-in activities
Find out about former director of Farnham Art School, WH Allen, and his paintings
Relax in our tranquil gardens
Browse the museum shop and visit our welcoming café. Bring your own cup for 30p off your hot drink!
Ceramics at the Allen Gallery
Visitors to Alton have been able to see fine English pottery and porcelain in the town since the early 1930s, when local resident Major Ross Bignell first contributed items to the nearby Curtis Museum. Many of these pieces were transferred to the Allen Gallery in 1980 and are still on show today.
The gallery continues to display a wide range of ceramics, from Wedgwood and English Delftware to unique studio pottery. Of the 3,000 pieces currently on show, the majority are drawn from around the UK, but they sit alongside Eastern Asian and continental wares which have historically influenced the ceramics industry in this country.
Object of the month
This month we take a look at the Queen of Hearts Cheese Dish and Cover.
This stoneware cheese dish, with coloured and metallic glazes was made by Jenny Beavan in 1977. It was created to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
can find out more
here
.
WH Allen
William Herbert Allen’s life as a working artist spanned more than fifty years, from the late 1880s to the early 1940s. He became Art Master and later director at Farnham School of Art, whilst also painting thousands of pictures of the countryside around the south of England and the continent. Regular exhibitions of original WH Allen watercolours and oils take place in the Allen Gallery, which was named in his honour.
Hidden treasures
The gallery contains pieces by some of the best-known names in ceramics and sculpture. Items by Lucie Rie can be seen and the tin-glazed earthenware collection, containing examples of English and European work, is of international importance. The gallery is also home to a range of sculptures, with a Parian ware bust of Queen Victoria and a bronze sculpture of a woman known as ‘Dolores’ by the American sculptor, Jacob Epstein.
Garden
Picturesque and tranquil, the Allen Gallery garden dates back to the days when founder William Curtis lived at 4 High Street in Alton. The garden’s sundial is mounted on a baluster from the Old London Bridge which was presented by Alderman James Curtis. Our gardens are tended by a team of volunteers who maintain a beautiful and relaxing space for our visitors to enjoy. Situated in the gallery garden is a life-size sculpture of two young girls playfully dancing, based on sculptor Roger Burnett’s own daughters.
Your visit
Café and picnics
Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from our café.
Bring your own cup!
Get 30p off your next hot drink in the museum café when you bring your own reusable cup! Simply present your cup to a member of staff to claim your discount.
Accessibility
The Allen Gallery has level access to the ground floor only.
Assistance dogs are welcome, as long as they are clearly identifiable.
Group and school visits
To arrange a group visit or booking, please call the Allen Gallery on 01420 82802.
The Allen Gallery welcomes young visitors to study our permanent display of ceramics. We also hold a programme of regularly changing exhibitions which often have specific opportunities for schools.
For more information, please email
alton.museums@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
or call 01420 82802.
How to get here
By bus: Alton is served by buses from surrounding major towns. All buses terminate at Alton railway station, which is a five minute walk from the gallery.
By rail: Alton railway station is within walking distance of the gallery.
By car: the Allen Gallery is located near the centre of Alton. There is public pay and display parking nearby.
Venue hire
To hire the Allen Gallery, please call 01420 82802.
Opening hours and facilities
The Allen Gallery will be closed until early 2027
Thu 23rd Apr:
Closed
Fri 24th Apr:
Closed
Sat 25th Apr:
Closed
Sun 26th Apr:
Closed
Mon 27th Apr:
Closed
Tue 28th Apr:
Closed
Wed 29th Apr:
Closed
Facilities
Baby change
Café
Disabled access
Gift shop
Picnic/eating area
School/education groups
Toilets
What's on
Artist Residency Opportunity: William Allen and his Work - developing a creative response to the Allen Gallery collection
Deadline Friday 15 May 2026
View more events
Please support the Allen Gallery today
Help us to rediscover the Allen Gallery's nationally significant ceramics collection and to continue supporting our local community. Thank you.
Donation added to basket
View basket
Failed to add donation
How to get here
Tel:
01420 82802
Email:
Email us
Address -
View on map
Allen Gallery, Church Street, Alton GU34 2BW
Press enquiries
Tel: 07710 093821
Email us
Stay connected
Allen Gallery, Alton
Situated in the historic market town of Alton, the Allen Gallery is an intimate setting for one of the south’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. The gallery hosts an impressive and varied selection of pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day.
The front section of the gallery was originally a stable and coachman’s house. William Hugh Curtis, the final owner of the building, left the premises in his will to be used as a public museum. The gallery opened its doors in 1963 and in 1979 was extended with funds from the WH Allen Bequest and Hampshire County Council.
On the ground floor of the gallery are the main exhibition areas, shop,
café and toilets, and on the first floor you will find our children's activity area as well as more displays showcasing our excellent ceramics collection. When you have finished your trip to the gallery, why not pay a visit to our sister venue in Alton, the
Curtis Museum
, home to one of the finest local history collections in Hampshire.
Rate us on Tripadvisor
Came here to meet a friend for tea and sat out in their beautiful garden full of flowers and herbs. The volunteers were so friendly and the location is amazing . It's like a little oasis in the middle of Alton
Ruthybab
Sign up to our newsletter to hear about our upcoming exhibitions, events and news
Sign up
About us
About us
Our work as a charity
Meet the team
Work for us
Volunteer with us
Environment
Equity, diversity and inclusion
HCT 2030
Impact reports
What's on
All events
Children & family activities
Exhibitions
Classes
Workshops
Comedy
Music
Theatre
Visit
Aldershot Military Museum
Allen Gallery
Andover Museum
Basing House
City Space at The Arc, Winchester
Curtis Museum
Forest Arts Centre
Gosport Museum and Art Gallery
Hampshire Wardrobe
Milestones Museum
Museum of the Iron Age
Tickets
Red House Museum and Gardens
Rockbourne Roman Villa
The Arc
The Gallery at The Arc, Winchester
West End Centre
The Great Hall with Westgate Museum
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Winchester City Museum
Our work
Social Impact
Children & Young People Fund
Young People - Home Education
Young People - Stepping Stones
Health and Wellbeing - Brighter Futures
Criminal Justice - HMP Winchester
Past Projects
Past Projects - 100 Thank Yous
Past Projects - Basingstoke Peace Project
Past Projects - Be the Inspiration
Past Projects - Block2block
Past Projects - Creative Wellbeing: Military Heritage
Past Projects - Create and Connect
Past Projects - Creating Change
Past Projects - Creative Boxes
Past Projects - Cultural Pathways
Past Projects - Depth of Me
Past Projects - Horizon 20:20
Past Projects - ICE Heritage
Past Projects - The ICE Project
Past Projects - Industrious Minds
Past Projects - My Gosport
Past Projects - On The Move
Past Projects - The Resilience Garden
Past Projects - Still Curious
Past Projects - Summer Arts Award
Past Projects - Welcome to Whitehill & Bordon
Culture Connects
Jane Austen 250
Collections
Buckskin & South Ham: 60 Years of Memories in Basingstoke
Data Hunters and Story Gatherers
Engert Watford Motor Museum
Hampshire Young Poets
Gosport Heritage Generator
Impact map
Shop
Ticket gift vouchers
Online shop
Education
Culture on Call
Collections
Education
News
Work for us
Contact