About
Beecroft Art Gallery is Southend-on-Sea's principal public art gallery, housing a collection of over 2,000 works that spans more than four centuries of British and European art. Established in 1952 following a generous bequest from local benefactor Walter Beecroft, the gallery has grown into a significant regional arts institution that serves the community and celebrates the visual culture of Southend and the wider Essex area.
The permanent collection ranges from Dutch Old Master paintings of the 17th century through to contemporary works acquired in recent decades. Particular strengths include Victorian and Edwardian paintings, a substantial holding of works by artists associated with the Southend and Essex region, and a collection of decorative arts including ceramics, glass and furniture. The gallery provides an accessible and welcoming environment for local residents and visitors to engage with art across many periods and styles.
The building that houses the gallery dates from the Victorian era and sits within the pleasant Prittlewell area of Southend, close to the priory gardens and parks. Its elegant galleries provide sympathetic spaces for displaying the collection, with natural light and carefully considered hanging arrangements that allow works to be appreciated in context and in relation to one another.
Beyond the permanent collection, the gallery runs an active programme of temporary exhibitions that bring major touring shows to Southend, spotlight contemporary artists and explore themes relevant to local communities. These exhibitions change regularly throughout the year and give visitors compelling reasons to return.
Beecroft Art Gallery is an important cultural resource for the Southend area, operating alongside the town's other museums and cultural venues to create a rich offer for residents and tourists. It has played a central role in supporting local artists and art education for more than seven decades, commissioning new work, hosting studio events and maintaining an extensive programme of community engagement activities.
The gallery is free to enter for permanent collection displays, making it an accessible and welcoming cultural destination for visitors of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity with art.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Entry to the permanent collection is completely free — a brilliant cultural resource at no cost, making it ideal for regular visits.
- Check the website before visiting to see what temporary exhibitions are on — the programme changes regularly and the special shows are often the highlight.
- The gallery is conveniently located just a short walk from Southend Central railway station, making it easy to visit as part of a day trip from London.
- Combine your visit with nearby Southend Central Museum and Prittlewell Priory for a full day exploring Southend's cultural offer.
- The gallery hosts regular evening events including artist talks, private views and drawing evenings — check the events calendar for dates.
- If you're visiting with older children or teenagers interested in art, ask about GCSE and A Level support sessions.
- Art prints and catalogues in the gallery shop are good value and make thoughtful gifts for art lovers.
- The gallery is a short distance from the famous Southend Pier — combine an art gallery visit with a seafront walk for a perfect day out.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
Over 2,000 works including Dutch Old Master paintings (17th century), Victorian and Edwardian oils, watercolours and drawings, prints, decorative arts (ceramics, glass, silver), and a substantial body of work by Southend and Essex artists from the 19th century to the present day.
The Permanent Collection
Rotating displays from the 2,000-strong permanent collection across the main gallery spaces, spanning Dutch Old Masters, Victorian and Edwardian paintings, decorative arts and works by Essex artists.
Temporary Exhibition Programme
Regular changing exhibitions featuring major touring shows, solo artist presentations and thematic explorations. Typically 4-6 exhibitions per year.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.