Art in Somerset: the art galleries making Somerset an art destination

Somerset is a bucolic countryside region in the UK, but one that I tend to think of as slightly quirky and unpretentious. In the past ten years it has become a burgeoning art destination, thanks to the opening of Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, followed by Bo Lee and Workman and Messums West. These have made it even trendier to visit, but Somerset has still not become overly touristic. Here’s an art-lover’s guide to Somerset for those in search of culture and countryside.

Hauser & Wirth in Bruton

Hauser & Wirth as a Swiss gallery with outposts around the world, including London. The gallery represents modern and contemporary art, with thoughtful and exciting exhibitions featuring artists such as Pipilotti Rist, Martin Creed, and Cindy Sherman.

Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset site in Bruton

The site in Bruton was opened in 2014 on the outskirts of Bruton, a small town in Somerset. The site utilised existing farm buildings to create gallery spaces which feel warm and integrated with the site, rather than as cold white cubes.

Parisian architect Luis Laplace and renowned landscape designer Piet Oudolf collaborated on the site of Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, with the rugged stone walls and iconic garden design creating a unique home for art in the countryside.

I thought that the gallery spaces were inviting and homey, even with seriously impressive artworks on display. The stone walls and wooden rafters pay homage to the original function of the buildings as part of a working farm and definitely lend some character to the space.

There are 3 main galleries which have clear transitions into each other, marking out spaces for each distinct exhibitions.

Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s wonderful garden design

One of the most special things about Hauser & Wirth in Bruton is the otherworldly garden design.

The curving, winding path leads back past a pond and several orbs of grass to a pavilion created by by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić. It was the Serpentine Pavilion in 2014 before being placed here permanently in 2015. It is biomorphic and space-ship like, hovering in the landscape.

July is a great time to visit the garden at Hauser & Wirth, as the flowers are in full bloom creating a unique scene at golden hours.

Exhibitions at Hauser & Wirth Somerset

There is some really wonderful art on display at Hauser & Wirth on a regular basis — when I visited I was able to see some Gee’s Bend quilts and contemporary works inspired by the textiles tradition for Black American artists.

There are generally group shows on at Hauser & Wirth, representing 20-30 contemporary artists that the gallery represents, usually focused on UK artists.

2024 opens in February with a group show called Present Tense.

There is a good chance of seeing a specific show dedicated to one artist they represent as well.

Visiting Hauser & Wirth in Bruton

It’s an easy drive to Hauser & Wirth in Bruton and there is plenty of free parking on site.

Admission to the site is completely free.

The galleries and gardens are open Tuesdays-Sundays with varying hours depending on sunlight and the seasons. There are periods of closure between exhibitions, so always check ahead to make sure what’s on.

There are lots of additional engagement opportunities available for groups and schools, etc.

There is a delightful farm shop and delicious restaurant called the Roth Bar & Grill on site.

Bo Lee and Workman in Bruton

Since the opening of Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, the town has become an arts hub and trendy spot for restaurants. A new gallery on the scene in Bruton is the charming Bo Lee and Workman, housed in an old church on the High Street.

Established in 2022 by Jemma Hickman and Alice Workman, Bo Lee and Workman has swiftly risen as a prominent fixture in Somerset's art landscape. Workman was previously the director of Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, so the decision to open a new gallery in the town seems natural. The remodelled former Methodist chapel has become a lovely home for contemporary art that the gallery represents.

Bo Lee and Workman's distinctive approach revolves around collaborating with artists at pivotal junctures in their careers. I personally like the work of the artists they represent, for example Lindsey Bull’s evocative paintings of women and fashion that seem to glow from within.

Beyond exhibitions, the gallery emphasises its role as a community-focused hub, reflecting the founders' commitment to creating an authentic artistic space in Bruton. The gallery's success challenges conventional notions about selling contemporary art in a rural setting, underscoring Bruton's status as a dynamic and thriving hub for the arts.

Food in Bruton

Bruton is also now known as a foodie destination. Don’t miss:

• Osip Restaurant - Michelin starred, gorgeously simple and seasonal

• At the Chapel - arty restaurant and hotel

• Matt’s Kitchen - a quirky town favourite

• The Old Pharmacy - a beautiful space

Messums West

Situated just beyond the borders of Somerset, Messums West is a wonderful gallery outpost in the countryside that I couldn’t resist mentioning in this guide. The gallery occupies historic barns and farm buildings, seamlessly repurposing them to showcase a diverse array of contemporary art. The juxtaposition of the centuries-old structures with avant-garde artworks creates a unique experience, blending tradition and modernity.

The large barn is home to a massive exhibition space, offering flexibility that London galleries can rarely achieve. A charming cafe also sits inside this space, and there is a more comprehensive restaurant on site as well.

The grounds hold a series of sculptures, bringing together farmland with contemporary art.

I suggest stopping at Messums West on the way to Somerset. It’s not far off the path and is the perfect way to start a weekend art trip in Somerset.

Art in Somerset

Somerset might just be my favourite area of the UK, not least because of its artistic nature. These galleries have contributed to Somerset’s growing reputation as an art destination, and as someone who travels for art’s sake, it is most certainly worth the trip.

From the charm of Hauser and Wirth, which elegantly blends contemporary art with rural landscapes, to the fresh perspectives brought by Bo Lee and Workman, and the historical site of Messums West just beyond its borders, exciting things are happening on Somerset’s art scene. The region's unexpected rise as an art hub challenges preconceptions and offers a vibrant counterpoint to London galleries.

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