Grundy Art Gallery organizes a programme of contemporary visual art exhibitions that feature the work of established and emerging artists from the UK and abroad, as well as historically important artwork loaned from major UK institutions and objects from its own permanent collection. This programme is increasingly ambitious and wide-ranging. Being situated in Blackpool is an important factor in the gallery’s recent and planned development. Its programmes draw upon Blackpool’s heritage and contemporary culture, and whilst they do not always respond to Blackpool, the programme as a whole is developed in consideration of it. Blackpool provides Grundy a unique platform to work upon, which is challenging, relevant and attractive to artists. Grundy provides artists with the opportunity to develop ideas and take risks in a beautiful exhibition space in an incredible location. Blackpool Council commissioned the building of the Grundy Art Gallery in 1908 following a bequest of thirty-three artworks and a financial gift from brothers John and Cuthbert Grundy, both of whom were artists. Cuthbert was described at the time as: ‘A leader of the artistic, literary and scientific life of the town'.
Grundy's collection, which is displayed as part of the temporary exhibitions programme and is not on permanent display, includes Victorian oils and watercolours, modern British paintings, contemporary prints, jewellery and video, oriental ivories, ceramics, and photographs and souvenirs of Blackpool.
Craigie Aitchison, Martin Creed, Gilbert and George, Augustus John, Eric Ravilious and Julian Trevelyan are amongst the artists whose work is represented. Grundy is part of Blackpool's Arts Service, which develops and delivers projects which engage local communities and visitors in the arts, supports the town's arts community and places the arts at the centre of Blackpool's unique and important cultural environment.
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