The 10 Best Art Galleries in Essex, England

Colchester Arts Centre - the little church with the big attitude deep in the heart of Essex. Well that's how we describe it anyway. It sort of works, it at least gives a flavour of what we're about. Because just how do you describe a venue that can put children's entertainer Palfi the Clown on, on the same day as Cradle of Filth? Where a Farmer's Market in the morning becomes a comedy club in the evening, where folk enthusiasts can sit happily knitting (and they do!) in the exact same spot a ferocious mosh pit of teenage dancing takes place the following night? And where the beautiful historic architecture of St Mary's Church dating back over a thousand years, plays host to some of the newest comics, most modern choreographers, some of the coolest DJ's and some of the freshest talent in Britain. Over the years we've promoted Coldplay, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate, Jo Brand, The Libertines, Ash, The Killers, The Strokes, Phill Jupitus, Mick Jones, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Count Arthur Strong - all before anyone had ever heard of them of course - plus the likes of jazz legend Ronnie Scott and even the late lamented and much loved Brian Johnston the cricket commentator. Our passion to present new work, bring great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original and yes, the surreal.

Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant collection of works by Sir Alfred Munnings is hung chronologically throughout eight rooms. From less familiar early apprentice poster designs to the explosive horseracing scenes for which Munnings is most well-known, the displays chart the artist’s life and six-decade career. Cafe, shop, plenty of free parking.

Sculpt Gallery is dedicated to contemporary British sculpture and studio ceramics by 30+ established and emerging artists. The Gallery's Principal artist is the renowned sculptor Maurice Blik, whose home and studio are on site. In addition to exhibits in the gallery, there is a fine collection of sculpture in the garden, which visitors are free to explore at their leisure. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, and all works of art are for sale. For a full list of artists and forthcoming exhibitions please visit the website. Groups are welcome but please phone ahead. OPEN SATURDAYS 11am-4pm. Weekdays by arrangement.

The Estuary Gallery Barge is a 21 metre floating Art Gallery showing Fine Art Photography by resident artist Ian James and Watercolour and Mixed Media Paintings by Josephine James. Also showing additional work by invited artists during the year. Open Saturdays 10am to 5pm and other times by arrangement.

We are a group of local artists, who have come together and opened as an independent gallery co-operative, Kerry Doyland, Susan Allen, Terry Sibson, Jon Trim, David Greenwood, Adrian Lane, Nicola Upton and Yu Lan Burkmar

Come and visit Wonky Wheel for stunning Art work, unique textiles, ceramics, prints and cards. We also host workshops in all different mediums of art.

A contemporary Art Gallery with a working pottery and painting studio by the Thames Estuary in the quaint Old Town of Leigh-on-Sea. Established in 1991 by potter Richard Baxter and artist Sheila Appleton, now joined by ceramicist Julie O'Sullivan & painter Ian E Smith. Works on sale and to commission.