About the Project
Alton’s Allen Gallery is an intimate setting for one of the nation’s most outstanding collections of ceramics. Since autumn 2022, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been working to rediscover the Allen Gallery for the people of Alton and the surrounding area.
This ambitious project is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a gallery that feels connected to its town and community. Over the past three years, we’ve uncovered untold stories from the collection, strengthened partnerships with local groups, expanded volunteering opportunities, and introduced new events and activities that bring the gallery and its beautiful gardens closer to everyday life in Alton.
Now, with funding secured, the transformation is ready to begin. The gallery will close on 23 December 2025 for a major refurbishment and is expected to reopen in early 2027. When it returns, visitors will find revitalised galleries, a welcoming community space, and fresh ways to experience our nationally and internationally important ceramics
Since the project began in autumn 2022, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been working hard to prepare for the Allen Gallery’s transformation. Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:
Collections
- 1,508.5 volunteer hours dedicated to the collections work
- 7,100 objects inventoried and audited
- Around 6,000 object locations updated in our collections database
- Around 5,500 objects photographed to Art UK standards
Community
- 936 volunteer hours supporting skills development and community activities
- 320+ participants in family workshops
- 21 young people (aged 12–18) learned pottery and gardening skills through our Project Thrive partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority
- 579 adults took part in our community programme
- 14 local artists and facilitators worked across the programme—10 of them live or work within seven miles of Alton
With funding now secured, the next stage is about to begin. The gallery will close on 23 December 2025 for major refurbishment and is expected to reopen in early 2027. This will include capital works, a full reinterpretation of the galleries, and a new community programme designed to make the Allen Gallery an even more welcoming and inspiring space for everyone.
The Allen Gallery is home to a nationally and internationally significant collection of ceramics, with an impressive and varied selection of pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day. The ceramics on display at the Allen Gallery form part of a much larger collection cared for by Hampshire Cultural Trust, stored in Winchester.
In the first phase of the project, the collections work focused on:
-
Rediscovering the full extent of the collection and its significance
-
Researching and discovering the untold stories behind the collections
-
Recruiting collections volunteers in both Alton and Winchester to work on documentation, audit and research, diversifying our volunteer base to recruit and engage students
-
Undertaking a volunteer research programme to identify social history stories and themes and previously underrepresented histories
-
Building relationships with ceramic specialists and groups
Volunteer with us
Our team at the Allen Gallery is built around our incredible volunteers. Whether you are looking to learn new skills, share existing ones or to pursue a passion, there are opportunities for you. This can be a few hours each week or a couple of days as a one-off – our volunteer roles offer flexibility, enjoyment and a chance to develop both yourself and others.
We are currently looking for volunteers for the following roles:
- Community volunteers
To find out more, please email us.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Rediscovering the Allen Gallery is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, ambitious plans to turn the gallery into a thriving community hub in the heart of Alton will become reality.
We would like to acknowledge the generous support of our project funders:
— The National Lottery Heritage Fund
— Alton Town Council
— East Hampshire District Council
— Hampshire Cultural Trust
— South Downs National Park Authority
— Sovereign Housing
— University of Southampton
— Community fundraising
Thanks to our funders we are within touching distance of our funding target and are now looking for a few local champions to help us deliver on the final elements of the project. If you would like to find out more about the project and how you can support please get in touch at fundraising@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
