The Wilson Museum

Coffee With a Curator
2026-06-03 13:30 - 14:30, 2026-07-01 13:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London)
First Wednesday of every month, 1.30pm â€“ 2pm
These informal sessions held in The Wilson cafÃ© lounge area at lunchtime on the first Wednesday of the month give you the chance to join one of our curators for a half hour chat as they introduce pieces from The Wilson’s extensive collections.
From pottery and works of art to items that reflect the social history of the Cheltenham area, you’ll get to have a closer look at the objects as they are brought out of the archives.
There will be a different object every month. Book a place for £3, which will include a complimentary tea or coffee from the cafÃ©. For updates and more details of the objects and subjects for each monthly session, see our Facebook and Instagram

Memory Lane
2026-06-04 10:30 - 12:00
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 4 June
Thursday 2 July
Thursday 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Practical Fine Art for Adults: Introduction to Acrylic Painting
2026-06-05 13:30 - 2026-07-03 15:30
Join our Practical Fine Art for Beginners course and unlock your creativity!
Our lessons are tailored for those with little-to-no experience in art, but feel the desire to discover and create. At the end of the course, you will have honed your skills and gained confidence in your ability to produce your own artwork. Start your journey as an artist today.
Introduction to Acrylic Painting: Colour, Texture, and Expression
A practical course introducing the core techniques of acrylic painting. Students will learn
how to use colour, layering, and texture to create expressive and visually dynamic paintings.
The course encourages experimentation with both realism and abstraction.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
â€¢ Understand acrylic painting materials and mixing techniques.
â€¢ Apply layering, glazing, and blending methods.
â€¢ Use colour theory to create harmony and contrast.
â€¢ Develop composition and visual balance in a painting.
â€¢ Complete an original acrylic artwork from concept to finish
About Kitty McLeod
The tutor, Kitty McLeod, of Promising Artists, trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art drawing & painting, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty runs a small art school in Cheltenham and art courses for the National Trust.
Price is for a course of 5 sessions and includes all materials.
Dates 2026
Winter Term: 9 January â€“ 6 February
Winter/Spring: 27 February â€“ 27 March
Spring: 17 April â€“ 15 May
Summer: 5 June â€“ 3 July
Fridays, 1.30pm â€“ 3.30pm
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Practical Fine Art for Children: Introduction to Acrylic Painting
2026-06-06 10:00 - 2026-07-04 11:30
For keen young artists of all levels. The perfect complement to school art lessons, whether studying at primary or GCSE level. Practical, how-to skills: observational drawing techniques, multi-media exploration, adventures in colour and more. There is plenty of time for one-to-one support in these small groups too.
Introduction to Acrylic Painting: Colour, Texture, and Expression
A practical course introducing the core techniques of acrylic painting. Students will learn
how to use colour, layering, and texture to create expressive and visually dynamic paintings.
The course encourages experimentation with both realism and abstraction.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
â€¢ Understand acrylic painting materials and mixing techniques.
â€¢ Apply layering, glazing, and blending methods.
â€¢ Use colour theory to create harmony and contrast.
â€¢ Develop composition and visual balance in a painting.
â€¢ Complete an original acrylic artwork from concept to finish
About Kitty McLeod
Kitty McLeod trained at Ravensbourne University London and the University of Gloucestershire. She has been teaching art and creative workshops, organising events, parties, and face painting with children and adults of all ages nationally since 2010. She has experience in delivering fine art, illustration, printmaking, animation and life drawing classes. Kitty’s students have won art scholarships to Cheltenham College, Rendcombe College and King’s School.
Price is for a course of 5 sessions and includes all materials.
Dates 2026
Winter Term: 10 January â€“ 7 February
Winter/Spring: 28 February â€“ 28 March
Spring: 18 April â€“ 16 May
Summer: 6 June â€“ 4 July
Please note that once purchased, courses are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances.
Book Now

Home Educators Workshop: Cyanotypes and Antarctic Discoveries
2026-06-11 10:00 - 15:00
Home Educators Workshop: Cyanotypes and Antarctic Discoveries
Discover the beauty of botanical exploration at the Wilson Art Gallery & Museum in this hands-on cyanotype workshop for home-educating families!
We will take inspiration from the museum’s herbarium collection (a herbarium is a scientific collection of preserved plant specimens that are dried, pressed, and mounted on paper, or preserved in other ways) and the Antarctic plant documentation made during Edward Wilson’s expeditions. Participants will then learn the fascinating history of cyanotype printing and this early photographic process.
Using natural forms pressed ourselves and inspired by the herbariums, everyone will create their own striking blue-and-white cyanotype prints to take home.
A creative blend of art, nature, and scientific curiosity for young explorers!
Accompanying adults do not require a ticket but please note this is not a drop off session and adults are encouraged to join in activities with their children.
10.30am to 12.30pm (4 to 9 year olds)
1.30pm to 3.30pm (9 to 14 year olds)
*You will notice an overlap in ages for the two sessions. As you know your child, please choose which session you think would be best for them.*
Book Now

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-07-02 10:30 - 12:00
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 2 July
Thursday 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Memory lane Cafe
2026-08-06 10:30 - 12:00
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 6 August
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-09-03 10:30 - 12:00
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 3 September
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-10-01 10:30 - 12:30
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 1 October
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-11-05 10:30 - 12:30
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00, on the following dates:
Thursday 5 November
Thursday 3 December

Christmas Coffee With a Curator
2026-12-02 13:30 - 14:30

Memory Lane Cafe
2026-12-03 10:30 - 12:30
Join our friendly social group for older people and anyone living with dementia.
Come to The Wilson for some creative activities, a relaxed chat, and a warm cuppa. Free tea and coffee are provided. There’s no need to book, and carers are very welcome.
Sessions take place on the first Thursday of each month, from 10:30 – 12:00.
