Sidney H. Sime Memorial Gallery

About the museum

The Sime Gallery preserves the work of the artist Sidney H. Sime, associated with Worplesdon. After his death his widow Mary, herself a miniaturist, left his artworks and possessions to the trustees of Worplesdon Memorial Hall so that a gallery solely devoted to his work could be created. The gallery was purpose-built in 1956 to show more than 800 drawings, paintings and caricatures.

The gallery is on the first floor of Worplesdon Memorial Hall. It holds over 500 catalogued items, of which 88 are on display. They include large fantastical paintings, oil and watercolour landscapes, theatrical sketches and caricatures of Worplesdon residents. Sime’s own furniture is shown too, among it a gateleg table with two portfolios of his work and a tallboy holding sketchbooks, oil paintings, etchings and press cuttings.

The gallery is now run by a registered charity that aims to preserve Sime’s artworks and to run a local heritage art centre for education and enjoyment.

Highlights

• Large fantastical paintings by Sidney H. Sime
• Landscapes, theatrical sketches and caricatures of Worplesdon residents
• Sime’s own furniture, including a gateleg table and tallboy with sketchbooks
• Ground-floor tea room

Permanent exhibition

• Works by Sidney H. Sime – Fantastical paintings, landscapes, theatrical sketches and caricatures, together with items of Sime’s furniture.

Founded

1956

Operated by

The Sime Gallery (registered charity no. 1188534)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; a donation of £5 is suggested because the gallery receives no regular funding.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The gallery is on the first floor and is not accessible for wheelchair users; the stairs have handrails. Smaller artworks and works on paper can be brought downstairs for viewing. There is an accessible toilet downstairs.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Worplesdon Memorial Hall is on the A322.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

A tea room on the ground floor serves tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits and other drinks. A small range of items is on sale.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit