Allen Gallery

About the museum

The Allen Gallery in Alton opened as a public museum in 1963 and takes its name from the watercolour and oil paintings of W. H. Allen, which form part of the collection. The building was left to the town by William Hugh Curtis in his will. Its front section was originally a stable and coachman's house. The gallery was extended in 1979 with money from the W. H. Allen bequest and Hampshire County Council.

The main collection is ceramics. About 3,000 pieces from around 1250 to the present day have been on show, including Wedgwood, English delftware, studio pottery and wares from East Asia and continental Europe. Highlights include work by Lucie Rie, an important tin-glazed earthenware collection, a Parian ware bust of Queen Victoria and a bronze by Jacob Epstein.

The gallery is run by Hampshire Cultural Trust. It closed in December 2025 for a major redevelopment, supported mainly by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project includes building works, a new interpretation of the galleries, a community space and new ways to experience the ceramics collection. It is expected to reopen in early 2027.

Highlights

• About 3,000 ceramics from around 1250 to today
• Work by Lucie Rie and a notable tin-glazed earthenware collection
• Wedgwood, English delftware and studio pottery
• Watercolours and oils by W. H. Allen
• Gallery garden with sculpture

Founded

1963

Operated by

Hampshire Cultural Trust

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Before the closure, level access was available to the ground floor only. Assistance dogs were welcome if clearly identifiable. Arrangements may change after the redevelopment.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Before the closure the gallery offered activity bags, dressing-up clothes, workshops and drop-in sessions, a children's activity area on the first floor and baby changing. Offers may change after the redevelopment.

Getting there & parking

The gallery is close to the town centre on Church Street.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Before the closure there was a café serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, a museum shop and toilets on the ground floor, and a picnic area. Facilities may change after the redevelopment.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Venue hire enquiries by phone. Availability after the redevelopment is not yet confirmed.

Plan your visit