Nature in Art
Gallery and museum near Gloucester in a Georgian hall, showing art inspired by nature, with a sculpture garden, coffee shop and family activities.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Nature in Art is a museum and gallery devoted to fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature, and describes itself as the first of its kind in the world. It is run by the Nature in Art Trust, a registered charity set up in 1982, and it opened to the public in June 1988 after the Trust bought Wallsworth Hall in 1987.
Wallsworth Hall stands on the A38 at Twigworth, a few miles north of Gloucester. It was built soon after 1740 for a local landowner and magistrate, Samuel Hayward, on the site of an older Tudor house. In the 1860s the de Winton family, who owned it for a century, added a top floor, a new roof and a clock tower. During the 20th century the house served as a wartime nursery and later fell into disuse before the Trust bought it. It is a Grade II* listed building.
The collection shows how artists around the world have drawn on the natural world, in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and other media, from historic works to contemporary pieces. Paintings by wildlife artists such as Archibald Thorburn, Charles Tunnicliffe and David Shepherd are part of the holdings. Changing exhibitions, an artist-in-residence programme, courses and family activities complete the programme, and the museum holds Accredited Museum status.
Highlights
- Collection of art inspired by nature from many countries and periods
- Paintings by wildlife artists including Archibald Thorburn and Charles Tunnicliffe
- Georgian mansion built in the 1740s, listed Grade II*
- Sculpture garden with sensory areas and an outdoor trail
- Changing exhibitions and an artist-in-residence programme
- Hayward Coffee Shop and gift shop
Permanent exhibition
- Collection displays – Displays of art inspired by nature from around the world, with the touch-based "Art for Every Sense" area and online 3D views of objects.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Nature in Art Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £6.75Over 60s and under 16s |
| Children & teens | £6.75free up to age 7 · Under 8s enter free; children aged 8 to 15 pay the concession price. |
| Seniors | £6.75Over 60s. |
| Groups (15+ people) | £6.50 per personGroups of 15 or more (20 for evening visits), up to 60 people; must be booked in advance. |
| Families | £202 adults and up to 2 children. |
No extra charge for special exhibitions. Free entry with a valid National Art Pass. Annual membership gives unlimited free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description
Level or ramped access throughout the museum and to the garden, art studio and education centre. There is a lift, which may not fit some wheelchairs, and the accessible toilets may not suit every wheelchair user. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge (booking in advance is recommended). Seating is provided in all galleries and benches in the garden. Tactile exhibits are available for visually impaired visitors with prior notice, audio descriptions cover the permanent collection and the sculpture garden has sensory areas. Assistance dogs are welcome in the museum and garden. A downloadable visual guide helps visitors prepare, and website content is available in other formats on request. If the half-mile drive is too long on foot, staff can collect visitors from the top of the drive if called in advance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £20 · 2 adults and up to 2 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Themed handling boxes in the galleries, brass rubbing, an outdoor sculpture trail and a small play area. Holiday activities, family days and a schools programme are offered, and the museum has signed up to the Kids in Museums manifesto.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The No. 71 bus runs from Gloucester in about 10 minutes; on the way from Gloucester the stop is about 50 yards from the entrance on the same side of the road, and on the return it is on the opposite side, with no pedestrian crossing. Taxis are available from Gloucester railway and bus stations.
On the A38 between Gloucester and Tewkesbury, about 2 miles north of Gloucester; follow the brown tourist signs. Satnav postcode GL2 9PG; what3words for the front door: trinkets.refutes.dried. The drive up to the house is half a mile long. Cyclists are welcome and can lock bikes to railings beside the main building.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Hayward Coffee Shop (open all day, licensed, non-museum visitors welcome) and a gift shop selling cards, art materials, books, jewellery, gifts and prints.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups receive a free introductory talk if arranged in advance; illustrated talks of up to one hour and artist demonstrations can be booked for a fee. A typical group visit takes about 1.5 hours without refreshments. Dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed in the museum, coffee shop or garden. |
Museums nearby
Jet Age Museum
The Folk of Gloucester
Museum of Gloucester
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
National Waterways Museum Gloucester
The Wilson
All 6 museums in Gloucester All museums in South West England
