What follows is a chronological list of what is currently planned by way of visits to museums, galleries and other places of interest, gallery talks, Behind the Scenes visits in the city, Saturday afternoon talks and special events where the Friends will have a presence.
Following that is a list of online events that the museum service is organizing.
We hope you will find things to interest you.
Please note: if you book online, the payment receipt from PayPal does not mean that you have secured a place. The organizer receives a weekly update of such payments and will email you to advise when you have a firm booking.
Also, Behind the Scenes visits and gallery tours are usually restricted to groups of around 15. If such an event attracts a larger number of applications, as it often does, the organizer will try to arrange a second (or more) tour(s), which could be at a later time on the advertised day or on a later date. If this occurs, the organizer will contact you to make the appropriate arrangements.
Please note:
Members may take photographs when we are on our trips to illustrate an article about the visit that will appear in the following newsletter.
Please make it clear to the organizer if you do not wish to feature in any such picture.
Finally, although our events are aimed at our membership (and we would strongly urge you to join if you are not already a member) there are times, particularly on day excursions, when there can be free spaces. On these occasions non-members can be accommodated. Please contact the organizer regarding the anticipated size of the party.
19th Aug 2026
A country house remodelled in the 18th century with fine parkland designed by Capability Brown, Corsham Court contains a large collection of paintings from old masters to family portraits.
Cost: £45 per person
The coach will pick up from Nailsea at 8.30, The Bristol Hotel-9.00, top of Jacob’s Wells Road-9.15 and Westbury Road-9.30am.
This trip is now fully booked. Please do not make an online booking unless you are happy to join a short waiting list.
To book a place, use the following link:
A form for postal booking was included with the June newsletter.
Contact: Richard Avery; membership@friendsofbmga.org.uk; 0117 329 6656
2.00pm 04th Sep 2026 - 04th Dec 2026 Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road
The Bristol Tapestry, on display in the ground floor lift hall, was the brainchild of Jean Tanner and Marjorie Bleasdale, designed to record important events in Bristol’s history. Completed in 1976, the project involved 90 local people.
Friends of BMGA member Sheila Dawkins, who worked on the tapestry, will talk about the project and the people.
Cost: £5 per person.
Book online via the museum’s website by clicking here.
2.30pm 05th Sep 2026 M Shed Studio, Prince's Wharf
Appointed early last year, City Archivist Dr Charlotte Berry will bring us up to date with developments at Bristol Archives after a period of staff shortages and cuts to opening hours.
Cost: £9.50 per person
To book a place, use the following link:
Online booking will close on 2 September so that the organizer knows who to expect. There will be plenty of space for walk-ups on the Saturday.
A form for postal booking was included with the June newsletter.
Contact: Catherine Dixon; blackrockcfd@hotmail.com; 01275 849200
08th Sep 2026
We shall have a guided tour of Tewkesbury Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery with fine stained glass, and the opportunity to explore the historic buildings of the town and view the display of mediaeval street banners.
Cost: £48.00 per person
The coach will pick up from: Nailsea at 8.00, The Bristol Hotel – 8.30, top of Jacob’s Wells Road – 8.45 and Westbury Road – 9.00am.
This trip is now fully booked. Please do not make an online booking unless you are happy to join a short waiting list.
To book a place, use the following link:
A form for postal booking was included with the June newsletter.
Contact: Carol Lear; carolear@btinternet.com; 0117 942 3610
10.30am 23rd Sep 2026 Bristol Central Library, Deanery Road
A guided tour of behind the scenes at the Central Library with the opportunity to look at some of the mediaeval manuscripts in the collection with the Heritage Librarian.
Cost: £7.50 per person
To book a place, use the following link:
A form for postal booking was included with the June newsletter.
Contact: Carol Ouvry; carol@ouvry.myzen.co.uk; 0117 302 1039
