John Hansard Gallery, Southampton

The John Hansard Gallery is a contemporary visual art gallery affiliated with the University of Southampton. Originally established in 1979 within the University’s Building 50, the space was converted from a structure designed in 1959 by architect Ronald Sims to house a tidal model of the Solent. The gallery takes its name from John Hansard, whose family is associated with the daily parliamentary proceedings.

In 2018, the gallery relocated to a modern venue in central Southampton, adjacent to Guildhall Square, as part of a broader arts complex. This new space, designed by architectural firm CZWG with interiors by Glenn Howells, marked a significant expansion for the gallery. Its inaugural exhibition featured works by Gerhard Richter, setting the tone for a continued emphasis on leading contemporary art.

Over the years, the gallery has hosted numerous notable exhibitions, including "Panacea" by Michael Pinsky and Walker & Bromwich, and "There Where You Are Not" by Alec Finlay, Jeremy Millar, and Guy Moreton. Other prominent shows include "Familiars" by Hamad Butt and "Lines in the Sand" by Joan Jonas, with the gallery maintaining a reputation for thought-provoking and innovative programming. A 2012 exhibition by David Cotterrell, "Monsters of the Id," employed cutting-edge 3D technology, exploring new artistic possibilities through image manipulation and digital processes.

Under the direction of Stephen Foster, exhibitions like "Time After Time" have further cemented the gallery's role in the UK’s contemporary art scene, featuring artists such as John Latham, Caroline Bergvall, and Charlotte Posenenske.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Murgatroyd49.

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Sight Name: John Hansard Gallery
Sight Location: Southampton, England (See walking tours in Southampton)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

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