Lincoln's free public art gallery has reopened its doors to visitors with a stunning transformation that brings rarely seen artwork out of storage and into public view. The Usher Gallery has completed the first phase of a comprehensive redesign, creating brand new exhibition spaces that showcase pieces from the county's impressive 1,000-piece art collection that haven't been displayed for years.
The transformation came about after more than 400 visitors shared their feedback last year about what they wanted to see at the gallery. This input directly shaped the Arts Council England-funded renovation project, resulting in a new display called "Stories from the Stores" that officially opened to the public.
The exhibition highlights the work of local artists who drew inspiration from Lincolnshire's diverse landscape. Among the featured pieces is "Short Seaplane" by John Hassall, an artist best known locally for creating the iconic Jolly Fisherman image that has promoted Skegness since 1908. The display also includes works by Peter De Wint, who created numerous pieces inspired by his time living and working in Lincolnshire.
Councillor Natalie Oliver, who serves as the executive member for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, expressed her enthusiasm about the reopening. "It's fantastic to see these bright and beautiful new-look gallery spaces open to visitors," she said. "People told us they wanted to see more of the local artwork from our vast collections and that's exactly what we've done. We're displaying lots of art, some of which hasn't been seen for years and championing artists inspired by Lincolnshire and its stunning landscapes."
The exhibition showcases not only well-known artists like Hassall and De Wint but also highlights talented but lesser-known local artists whose work deserves recognition. This approach aligns with the gallery's mission to celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the Lincolnshire region.
The gallery maintains free admission and operates Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making art accessible to all members of the community. Beyond traditional paintings and ceramics, the renovation also addressed visitor requests for more immersive and digital art experiences.
In the newly redesigned Heslam Room, visitors can explore a carefully curated selection of abstract art. This space has been enhanced with a specially commissioned animation created by Pickle Studios, a Midlands-based creative company. The digital element adds a contemporary dimension to the traditional gallery experience, creating an engaging environment that appeals to diverse audiences.
Councillor Oliver emphasized the significance of providing free cultural access in the heart of Lincoln. "I'm proud that we are continuing to enable people to access fantastic, free art in the heart of Lincoln and would urge everyone to visit," she stated. "What's exciting is this is only the first phase of the rehang, there is much more to look forward to from the Usher Gallery."
The renovation represents a significant investment in Lincoln's cultural infrastructure, supported by Arts Council England funding. The project demonstrates how public feedback can directly influence cultural programming, ensuring that community needs and interests guide institutional decisions.
The transformation of the Usher Gallery reflects broader trends in museum and gallery management, where institutions are increasingly focused on making their collections more accessible and engaging to the public. By bringing rarely seen works out of storage, the gallery is maximizing the value of its collection while providing fresh experiences for repeat visitors.
The "Stories from the Stores" exhibition title cleverly references both the storage areas where these artworks were previously kept and the narratives they tell about Lincolnshire's artistic heritage. This approach helps visitors understand the broader context of the region's cultural development and the artists who have been inspired by its landscapes over the centuries.
Visitors to the reopened gallery can expect to see a diverse range of artistic styles and periods, all connected by their relationship to Lincolnshire. The exhibition design creates thematic connections between different works, helping viewers understand the ongoing dialogue between artists and the local environment.
The gallery's commitment to free admission ensures that economic barriers don't prevent community members from accessing cultural experiences. This policy reflects the belief that art and culture should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
As the first phase of the renovation, this reopening sets the stage for future developments at the Usher Gallery. The success of this initial transformation will likely inform planning for subsequent phases, with the gallery team building on visitor feedback and engagement to guide future programming decisions.
The integration of digital elements alongside traditional artworks represents a thoughtful approach to modernizing gallery spaces while respecting their historical character. The commissioned animation in the Heslam Room demonstrates how contemporary technology can enhance rather than replace traditional artistic experiences.
For art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, the transformed Usher Gallery offers an opportunity to discover both familiar and surprising works from Lincolnshire's artistic heritage. The combination of rarely seen pieces with innovative presentation methods creates a compelling reason to visit this free cultural resource in Lincoln's city center.
