Summer can be an expensive time, if you are an art lover here are the hottest galleries that are also free to enter

Hauser and Wirth

Based in Bruton, Somerset, Hauser and Wirth is presently exhibiting more than 60 works by Henry Moore, curated by Hannah Higham of the Henry Moore Foundation in collaboration with the artist’s daughter Mary Moore. The exhibition is showing six decades of Moore’s work until 4 September.

The gallery is a wonderful space. There is just enough to inspire without feeling saturated by the end of it. For children there is outdoor space with work decorating the landscape: including: ‘The Arch’ (1963/69), ‘Large Interior Form’ (1953–54) and ‘Locking Piece’ (1962–63).

Garden lovers will enjoy Piet Oudolf’s large perennial meadow situated behind the gallery buildings, a wonderfully informal space to wander round and be inspired.

www.hauserwirth.com

The Gillingham Museum

There is much to read and learn in this gem of a local museum. Find out about when the Blackmore Vale was under sea, and where John Constable stayed when visiting Gillingham in 1823. An interactive display shows Constable’s paintings and sketches from the area including ‘Gillingham Bridge, Dorset’ (original in the Tate collection).

www.gillinghammuseum.co.uk

New Art Centre

A spectacular park, and the home of Lady Bessborough, which you can visit for free.

Collect the map from a side door and explore over 80 sculptures. There are many dramatic Anthony Caro sculptures in the garden alongside words by Anthony Gormley, Barry Flanagan and Richard Long set in a dramatic Wiltshire landscape.

Messums

Wander through woodland and discover the Design House in the walled garden. The original Garden Cottage has been transformed by Stephen Marshall, creating a unique blend of gallery and living space. As a functional home, visitors are able to see how painting, sculpture, ceramics and furniture can coexist.

www.sculpture.uk.com

Messums, Tisbury

Set in a stunning tithe barn, Messums’ main gallery forms a dramatic backdrop for any artwork. This July, Messums is exhibiting its collection of British Impressionism, including masterpieces by Henry Lamb, Sir Matthew Smith, Julius Olsson, Raymond Coxon, Dame Elisabeth Frink and Kurt Jackson. Johnny Messum said that they are particularly looking forward to showing The Harvesters, by Lucy Kemp-Welch (1869-1958), pictured below. It was painted when Lucy was 30 and showed in the Royal Academy Summer show of 1899.

Separate from the tithe barn is a modern, glassed, white walled Pod Gallery. Here there will be an exhibition of vibrant paintings including St Ives artists Rose Hilton and Sir Terry Frost.

www.messumswiltshire.com

by Katrina Ffiske

The Harvesters by Lucy Kemp