The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery

The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery, located in the fine Victorian building known as the Gamble Institute in St.Helens town centre, is owned by St.Helens Council and kindly supported by the Rainford Trust. The Gallery displays a varied programme of visual art exhibitions throughout the year, chiefly supporting local and regional visual artists and makers, art groups and clubs, schools, colleges and other community organisations.

On July 3 2007 the towns community art gallery was officially renamed and re-launched as The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery in recognition of the generous and continued support of The Rainford Trust and in particular, in honour of one of the Trustees, Mr Godfrey Pilkington.

Godfrey was a founding Trustee of the Rainford Trust (the Pilkington Glass family charity) and a long term enthusiastic supporter of the arts in the town. He was a judge at the inaugural and subsequent St.Helens national Open Art Competitions from 1995 - 97 and encouraged accomplished and well known artists such as Antony Gormley OBE and Anthony Green to become members of the judging panel. A local, now escalating Open Art Competition restarted in 2004 and Godfrey again played a key role as Chairman of the judges from 2004 - 06. Sadly, Godfrey died on July 8 2007.

The diverse and stimulating array of art and craft work exhibited in the gallery attests to Godfrey's contribution to the town, ensuring that his enthusiasm and commitment to the visual arts continue to be celebrated.

For information on artists talks and workshops, to receive a gallery programme or to request a gallery booking form then please telephone the Arts Service Administrator on 01744 455492 or email cathrynhegarty@sthelens.gov.uk.

Gallery location : 1st Floor, Gamble Building, Victoria Square, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1DY
Opening Times : Open all year round Monday to Saturday from 10.00am - 4pm. Closed on Sundays and all Bank Holidays.

Admission : Free

Photograph displayed by kind permission of Colin Douglas