The Victoria Hall, known originally as The Agricultural Hall was built in 1858 as a meeting place for farmers and a library. In 1899 the name changed to The Victoria Hall and it was established as a charity.
Rutland has a wide selection of quality art galleries and fascinating shops that specialise in antiques and collectables.
Art Galleries
Visitors looking to enjoy some stunning art during their stay will be spoilt for choice with a variety of galleries & displays open to the public. Goldmark Gallery is known across the globe as offering one of the biggest selection of art, sculpture and ceramics in the UK
The Victoria Hall, on Oakham High Street, has regular exhibitions of local art, along with craft shows, theatrical productions and much more.
Uppingham is a reputed destination for its eclectic mix of fabulous antiques shops and fascinating art galleries; including the extensive Goldmark Gallery on Orange Street. You will find numerous other stunning galleries, such as Peter Barker Fine Art, found in Hopes Yard, where exceptional realistic and impressionistic art is exhibited. Peter is renowned for his stunningly evocative and much sought-after paintings depicting Rutland’s beautiful county and much of Britain’s sumptuous countryside and waterways. To complement his own work, a fine selection of other highly recognised contemporary painters from across Britain and beyond are available.
The Rutland Gallery on Uppingham’s High Street exhibits contemporary work by both established and emerging artists, with an eclectic portfolio to cater for most tastes.
Arts for Rutland
Arts for Rutland is a registered charity whose work is committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland. You can find out about the huge number of events and performances within Rutland that include, film, theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual arts and creative writing.
Antiques in Uppingham
Uppingham Antiques Centre, on High Street East, has over 70 specialists that present the keen-eyed enthusiast with an amazing selection of antiques in an historic setting. Open 7 days a week.
Rutland Antiques Centre, Crown Passage, offers a selection of quality watches, jewellery, vintage and collectable antiques. Open 7 days a week
Garners Fine Art, Antiques & Interiors is a privately owned Art and Antique furniture gallery based in Uppingham. Since 1970, Garners have specialised in sourcing 18-20th Century Art and Antiques. They also have a wonderful collection of fine period pieces of furniture and original oil paintings, displayed in delightful individual room settings. Take a stroll to the bottom of High Street East and you’ll find Garners next to the Town Hall.
More from The Arts
Theatre-goers are in for a treat when visiting Rutland, with top class performances in fabulous settings.
Tolethorpe Hall, one of Europe’s finest open-air theatres, is home to Stamford Shakespeare Company, who purchased the Hall in 1977 and staged their first play in May of the same year. Since then, Tolethorpe Hall has grown to become an internationally respected open air theatre, with a dedicated following. An exciting program of performances are staged throughout the year and performances are never cancelled due to rain – the actors are exposed to the elements but the audience is seated in a covered amphitheatre, adding to the exciting outdoor experience! Performances take place from June to August. The productions being staged in 2023 are Measure for Measure, As You Like It, The Lady in the Van, and Blue Stockings.
Picnicking on the lawn prior to the performances is a popular way to enjoy the beautiful gardens and grand setting of this idyllic country house, which was built about 800 years ago. Alternatively, you can enjoy a light meal in the well equipped on-site theatre restaurant.
Uppingham Theatre, where drama, music, children’s theatre, and poetry are performed throughout the year.
Music lovers are also well catered for at The Rutland Sinfonia, an amateur orchestra based in Oakham, but there is nothing ‘amateur’ about the quality of their performances. The aim of the sinfonia is to bring high quality, enjoyable and inspiring performances of orchestral music to smaller towns and villages in rural areas in and around Rutland, including Oakham School Chapel and St Peter’s Church in nearby Oundle.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy performances from Music in Lyddington, who provide fine music in a regular series of high quality concerts, with an aim to encourage and inspire young musicians. The performances take place in St Andrew’s Church in Lyddington, next door to the Lyddington Bedehouse. The tiny village of Lyddington is home to about 400 people with the church being first mentioned in about 1163. However, the oldest parts of the church remaining today date back to the 14th century. You can still see the six acoustic jars that were set into the walls of the chancel. These were said to improve the overall acoustics of the church and allow the congregation to hear the clergy better.
Peter Barker Fine Art is an art gallery based in central Uppingham, Rutland’s core cultural and arts epicentre, exhibiting exceptional realistic and impressionistic art. The gallery is owned and run by award-winning professional landscape, marine and wildlife artist, Peter Barker and family.
A family business, we have been selling art worldwide for over 40 years. We stock thousands of prints, paintings, drawings, ceramics and sculptures across a very wide range of top British, American and European artists.
Arts for Rutland is a Registered Charity committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland. It consists of a small volunteer committee that aims to be representative of the county’s arts organisations and various creative disciplines.
Connie makes beautiful items for every day home and table ware – designed with function, purpose and beauty in mind. Using simple forms which Connie enhances with different techniques such as carvings, patterns, colours and textures.
Connie has a very clear vision of her pieces in her mind, which constantly challenge and drive her.
Creators of stunning bespoke metal, from staircases, furniture, gates and much more.
The Rutland Gallery is an exciting contemporary art gallery located in the historic town of Uppingham, Rutland. The gallery exhibits work by both established artists and the leading emerging artists.