OXMARKET CONTEMPORARY CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ART IN CHICHESTER
Louise Myles reviews the Gallery's contribution to the city's life
Tucked away behind East Street, reached by two narrow twittens, the Oxmarket Centre of Arts now Oxmarket Contemporary is one of Chichesters hidden treasures.
Long before it became a gallery, this building was a church, standing proudly for nearly 800 years. St Andrews Oxmarket was so called due to its proximity to the Beast Market, which thundered around East Street before moving to the Cattle Market in the late nineteenth century. The church, originally constructed in the 13th century from stone and flint with later additions in the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries, holds significant historical value as a Grade II* listed building. Monuments to notable figures, such as the poet William Collins, buried here in 1759, and 16th- century parishioners, the Royse family, are still retained within the building. The church was badly damaged by nearby bombing in 1943 and had to be abandoned before officially closing in 1953, lying empty and derelict for years. Founder of art therapy and war artist Adrian Hill painted the sorry state that the church was left in, immortalising this sad chapter in its history.
A new life begins
It was rescued in the early 1970s by a small group of passionate art lovers — led by Doris Wilson and John Rank but including Antiques Roadshows Bernard Price, playwright Christopher Fry, Keats Biographer Robert Gittings and Dame Patricia Routledge— who all saw possibility where others saw ruin. Thanks to their vision and determination, this medieval church was transformed into Chichesters first art gallery. In deep gratitude for the tireless work of Doris Wilson and John Rank, the galleries today are named after them. On 25 June 1976, the doors opened — and a new chapter began. New life was breathed into the building and with it came exhibitions in the form of Arts and Crafts fairs, carol mornings, a modern ship show, art tableaux, jazz sessions, an exhibition by the Vietnamese Boat People, and a Costume in Retrospect show as part of Festival 79 that was opened by none other than actress Hayley Mills.
New cultural hub
Over five decades, we have welcomed tens of thousands of visitors and hosted thousands of exhibitions and events. Each year, more than 40 exhibitions fill our galleries with paintings, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, photography and mixed media. We are especially proud to support emerging and regional artists, offering affordable exhibition space and opportunities to sell their work. From Chichester Universitys annual Fine Art degree show to collectives such as Chichester Art Society, Emsworth Printmakers and Artel, Oxmarket Contemporary is a place where creativity is nurtured and celebrated. As part of our 50th celebrations we are holding a Retrospective exhibition featuring artists and makers who have exhibited and supported the gallery.
Art for all
We believe art should be for everyone — not just a few. Thats why we actively encourage community engagement through educational programmes and targeted initiatives. Our schools programme offers free visits to Chichester primary schools, helping children discover creativity, build confidence and experience the positive impact art can have on mental wellbeing — especially those who may never otherwise visit a gallery. Our artist Meetups bring local creatives together to connect, collaborate and grow professionally. Supported exhibitions with organisations such as Stonepillow provide a platform for artists of all abilities, encouraging personal development, confidence and opportunity. Art has the power to change lives. We see it every day.
Looking Ahead
We want the next 50 years to be even more inspiring — and we need readers help to make that happen. In 2026, we aim to raise £50,000 to expand our support for artists and our local community. Each year for the next five years, we plan to showcase and support a new group of young artists, designers and makers through a special Beginnings exhibition — helping them take their first professional steps. We want to grow our community programmes, offering more free workshops, discussions and gallery visits so that even more adults and children can experience the health and wellbeing benefits of engaging with art. Together, we can shape the future of creativity in Chichester.
Louise Myles is Chair of the Oxmarkets Trustees
First published in the Chichester Society's Newsletter and reproduced with their kind permission
