Welcome to Romsey Art Group

Lord Louis Mountbatten was the Group's President until his death in 1980.  He took a keen interest in the Group, and seldom missed an exhibition.  Regular exhibitions took place over the next few years at various venues in and around Romsey, but it was obvious that the Romsey Art Group needed a permanent 'home'.  Lord Louis agreed to lease the Group a disused Church on the Mountbatten estate at Lee.  It was in the middle of the countryside, several miles from the town centre, and very neglected.  The Church had been dedicated but not consecrated, and for many years had been used to store hay and farm equipment.  There was no electricity or water supply, only nesting birds, rats and mice.  Our members were not daunted!  After much hard work - mostly by the members themselves - the building was refurbished, water and electricity was laid on.  As little would have been achieved without the co-operation of Lord Louis, it was fitting that it would be called "The Mountbatten Gallery".

By 1980 the group had a considerable following, and to provide better facilities for our visitors it was necessary to build an extension.   Again, the fund raising and much of the work was undertaken by the membership.   The "North Gallery" was opened in June 1983, by Lady Romsey (now Lady Brabourne) who took over as our President after the untimely death of Lord Louis Mountbatten.  In November 1986, the Mountbatten Gallery was declared a building of special architectural and historical interest, and became a Grade 2 listed building.

Over the years the Group has grown, and now has a membership of 300.  Thanks to the foresight and hard work of the Founding Members, the Romsey Art Group now have a wonderful Gallery that is used for several exhibitions every year and is also used for open studios, courses and meetings for our members.

The Romsey Art Group has many talented painters, potters and woodcarvers.  The Spring and Autumn exhibitions consist of over 500 pieces of original artwork.  The Gallery is set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside and our many visitors every year enjoy the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.