We have put together a guide of some of the finest upcoming spring events in Hampshire so you can look ahead and fill your calendar with some true highlights; view entries from the most prestigious art competitions in the world, unique art collections rarely seen by the public eye, a Renaissance master’s greatest drawings and step outside to admire an array of sculptures at some of Hampshire’s favourite, and truly unique, art galleries and exhibition venues.
Elizabeth Blackadder: From the Artist's Studio
The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre | Winchester, Hampshire
Now until 20th March 2019
The impressive Winchester Discovery Centre boasts its very own art gallery, which will be hosting this specially curated art exhibition in Hampshire, taking a special look at a life dedicated to art from renowned artist, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder. In 2001 Dame Elizabeth Blackadder was honoured with the title of Her Majesty’s Painter and Limner in Scotland and she was also the first woman to be elected to both, the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy.
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The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition Exhibition
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery | Basingstoke, Hampshire
Now until 20 March 2019
A must-see art exhibition in Hampshire; visit the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery in Hampshire for The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition. Now in its 31st year, it is now the largest, most significant prize for watercolour painting in the UK, so do not miss a visit to this Hampshire exhibition this March.
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Antarctica 2019
Gilbert White's House & The Oates Collections | Selbourne, Hampshire
Now until 28th April 2019
Visit the historical home of the naturalist Gilbert White to view a fascinating exhibition in Hampshire showcasing some of the museum’s rarely-displayed Antarctic treasures.
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BP Portrait Award 2018
The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre | Winchester, Hampshire
30 March - 26 June 2019
Plan a visit to The Gallery at the Winchester Discovery Centre to admire 48 exceptional entries for the BP Portrait Award 2018. Said to be the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world, this art exhibition in Hampshire is on tour from London’s National Portrait Gallery and aims to showcase the finest contemporary portrait paintings from around the world.
View the winning painting An Angel at my Table by Miriam Escofet, a London-based artist, selected from 2,667 entries from 88 countries.
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Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Live in concert
Winchester Cathedral | Winchester, Hampshire
3rd May 2019 (7.30pm)
Book your tickets for this special concert featuring the World Premiere of Calin Huma’s 'Hampshire Symphony'. The programme features renowned violinist Alexandru Tomescu taking direction from conductor Christopher Petrie, ‘pairing Saint-Saëns impressionistic Violin Concerto No.3 with a musical gem of sheer Romantic indulgence by little-known Romanian composer Ciprian Porumbescu.’
(Tickets will be available online or from the Winchester Cathedral Box Office soon.)
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Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing
Southampton City Art Gallery | Southampton, Hampshire
Now until 6th May 2019
A fascinating UK-wide exhibition is taking place in 2019 to mark the 500th Anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the world’s finest artists and scientists. So, in recognition of the great Renaissance master, 144 of his greatest works from the Royal Collection will be on display in 12 exhibitions.
Southampton City Art Gallery in Hampshire will be the only host gallery on the south coast and will showcase 12 drawings highlighting Leonardo da Vinci’s range of interests that were at the heart of his creativity, from painting and sculpture to architecture, anatomy and geology.
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Hillier Gardens: Dawn Chorus (Bird Walk with Breakfast)
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens | Romsey, Hampshire
27th April 2019 (5.30am)
Nature’s very own art exhibition, and one like no other; visit the famous Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for their Dawn Chorus Bird Walk. Join local expert, David Thelwell at daybreak for a walk around the stunning gardens before sitting down for coffee and a bacon roll to discuss nature’s wonderful sounds.
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Art in the Garden at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens | Romsey, Hampshire
11th May - 13th October 2019
Combining art and nature, enjoy a wonderfully relaxing walk around the renowned 180-acre Sir Harold Hillier Gardens to view an array of unique sculptures from award-winning, local, new and established artists, all set beautifully in these world-famous gardens. Visit the art gallery and café, then walk the gardens to admire these fine works showcasing a breadth of creativity and artistry from Britain and overseas.
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Beaulieu Sculpture
Beaulieu National Motor Museum |Beaulieu, Hampshire
May 25th - July 14th 2019
Enjoy a peaceful walk amongst unique works of art at Beaulieu National Motor Museum this spring. The renowned National Motor Museum will unveil for the first time, a spectacular sculpture exhibition in Hampshire, displaying the works of more than 50 national and international sculptors.
Discover 270 sculptures set in the grounds and gardens of the historic Palace House, stretching as far as the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey.
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New Forest Walking Festival
New Forest, Hampshire
12th to 27th October 2019
This may be an autumn festival, but one must plan ahead to enjoy some of the most wonderful highlights of 2019.
Join the New Forest Authority, partner organisations and local experts for this wonderful annual festival of walking. With dozens of expert-guided walks for all abilities, sharing insights and knowledge about the local wildlife as well the interesting history and heritage of the New Forest National Park.
2018 welcomed more than 1600 people to the New Forest’s beautiful trails, so booking for 2019 is highly recommend. (Booking for this event will be available in August)
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For lovers of nature, history and amazing food, why not make our home your home for an unforgettable New Forest stay this Spring? You can explore everything that the New Forest has to offer and discover so much more.
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