WORK is underway on a new vibrant programme at a landmark Salisbury gallery and museum.

The Young Gallery, above the city library, is preparing to unveil a range of exhibitions in 2024 showcasing the venue’s ‘unique and diverse’ collections.

Dr Emily Dunbar has been curator at Young Gallery since February and has been cataloguing the collection, ready to relaunch an exciting exhibition programme next year.

Emily has previously worked at Salisbury Museum and has most recently been curator at the Charles Dickens Museum in London.

However, before the new programme is rolled out, there is a smaller, community-focused exhibition on display.

It includes the Wiltshire Works Exhibition 2023, a collection of artworks created during 2021-2023 in Wiltshire.

Produced through local, social, creative activities, the exhibition features work by The Skittle Alley in Devizes, The Gate Room in Salisbury and the Bemerton Heath Project.

“I am very excited to work with such a prestigious gallery here in Salisbury and the diverse collection offers unique opportunities to engage with art,” Emily said.

“I cannot wait to share with the local community what I’ve been working on.”

The Young Gallery operates as a charitable Trust with Wiltshire Council as the sole trustee.

It was recently awarded a grant from the South West Museum Development Small Grant Award with thanks to funding from Arts Council England, to install visitor counter technology, which will help the curator understand how many people visit the gallery and use that data to create a more vibrant programme.

Wiltshire Council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer, said: “We are delighted to have Emily lead the creative future of the Young Gallery.

“A new Curator brings new ideas and a fresh perspective and with her expertise and talent she’s in the midst of developing the gallery so that it continues to be a must-see venue for both residents and visitors alike.

“As stated in our Business Plan we are committed to giving people access to arts and heritage and The Young Gallery remains a cultural focal point in the city.”

The Young Gallery operates as a charitable Trust with Wiltshire Council as the sole trustee.

Did you know?
• The Young Gallery has been in its current location since 1974.
• The Young Gallery is an accredited museum established in 1913, and holds collections of artworks by Edwin Young, John Creasey, Edgar Barclay, Robin Tanner, Mick Maslen.
• The Young Gallery has a total collection of more than 4,000 artworks.
• John Creasey used more than 20 different pseudonyms/ pen names for his books.
• Edwin Young did not live to see the opening of the Gallery he himself founded.
• The Young Gallery has a vast collection of walking sticks and truncheons that belonged to John Creasey.

For more information on the Young Gallery, visit younggallerysalisbury.co.uk.