Caerbladon is a new focus for visual and applied arts in the historic town of Malmesbury
With a changing programme of exhibitions, workshops, projects and events we encourage people of all ages to enjoy art, buy artworks and express themselves creatively.
We are an arts development agency taking a place-based approach, responding to the local context and addressing the needs of various communities, promoting sustainability, understanding of and respect for the unique heritage and character of the area. We also believe strongly that celebrating diversity and being accessible to all is the key to a vibrant and inclusive cultural life.
We have initiated a new arts festival, and play a lead role in commissioning local and international artists to undertake residencies and projects in collaboration with a wide range of organisations including Athelstan Museum, WOMAD, the Abbey, Wiltshire Libraries, the British Council and local authorities. We supply high quality art materials and books at affordable prices to offer inspiration and useful advice on different techniques and approaches. We act as a hub for activities such as artist talks, social get togethers, and walking and sketching tours in the local area.
Our gallery and art supplies shop is on Market Cross, at the top of the High Street, but we see the whole town and surrounding area as a canvas for Caerbladon exhibitions, events and projects.
What’s in a name?
Malmesbury was a pre-Roman "ancient city of the Britons" known as Caer Bladon.
“Malmesbury is situated atop a steep-sided ridge between the Sherston and Tetbury branches of the Avon, at the point of their confluence just south of the town, their combined courses almost enclosing the site so as to create a peninsula. These natural defences made it the choice for an Iron Age hill-fort which tradition later framed as a thriving British town called Caer Bladon”