The Allens Gallery
An intimate setting for one of the South's most outstanding ceramics collection of English, continental and oriental pottery, porcelain and tiles from 1250 to the present day.
Museum visitors have been able to see fine English pottery and porcelain in Alton since the early 1930s, when local man Major Ross Bignell began to contribute items bought out of his own pocket to the Curtis Museum in High Street.
The Garden at the Allen Gallery
The history of the Allen Gallery garden dates back to the days when William Curtis (1803-81), the founder of the museum, lived at 4, High Street.
The present garden is a mixture of herbaceous and shrub borders as well as raised beds and it has been planned so that there should be something of interest at all times of the year.
Many other plants, shrubs and bulbs have been added to enhance the year-round colour and scent, such as a Medlar, Lonicera frangrantissima, viburnams and roses. The bulbs create a colourful welcome early in the year and continue on into the Spring when the perennials start to emerge.
The ‘terrace area’ has tables and chairs and parasols for when the sun is shining, where visitors may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and cake. The terrace has been planted with scent in mind and is surrounded by lavender, herbs and pinks.
The garden is more a place where visitors can relax and perhaps gain ideas for their own gardens as well.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Open
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Admission Free
Closed Tuesday, 17 August for staff training
Access:
Public car parking 35 metres from entrance
Level access to front door, stairs to first floor
Accessible toilet
Address:
Allen Gallery
Church Street, Alton
Hampshire, GU34 2BW