Best Art Exhibitions to Explore Across the UK This Summer

Art lovers have plenty to look forward to this summer, with galleries across the UK presenting remarkable exhibitions that celebrate painting, textiles, photography, and contemporary creativity. From vibrant abstract masterpieces to powerful documentary photography, these exhibitions offer something for every visitor.

Gillian Ayres at The Box, Plymouth

A major exhibition celebrates the extraordinary career of renowned British abstract painter Gillian Ayres. Spanning more than seven decades of artistic achievement, the collection showcases her bold use of colour, expressive brushwork, and emotionally charged compositions. Visitors can experience some of her most influential works, highlighting why Ayres remains one of Britain's most respected modern artists.

Entangled and Woven at The Whitworth, Manchester

Textile art continues to gain recognition, and this impressive exhibition explores over 400 years of textile traditions from India and South Korea. Historic pieces are displayed alongside contemporary works by eight modern artists, creating an engaging dialogue between heritage craftsmanship and innovative artistic expression.

Nicola Bealing at Exeter Phoenix Gallery

Contemporary artist Nicola Bealing presents a striking new collection inspired by the seven deadly sins. Her dreamlike paintings combine humans, animals, and surreal hybrid creatures to create imaginative scenes that are both visually captivating and emotionally unsettling. The exhibition explores themes of temptation, morality, and human nature through a distinctive artistic style.

Tish Murtha at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead

This homecoming exhibition honours the legacy of celebrated documentary photographer Tish Murtha, whose powerful images captured life in Britain's working-class communities. Featuring four of her most acclaimed photographic series, the exhibition offers an honest and moving portrayal of social realities, highlighting Murtha's enduring impact on documentary photography.

A Season of Artistic Discovery

Whether you're inspired by colourful abstraction, fascinated by historic textiles, drawn to surreal contemporary painting, or interested in documentary photography, these exhibitions provide outstanding opportunities to experience the richness and diversity of the UK's art scene throughout the summer season.