Arnolfini's history

The book Art Spaces:Arnolfini published by Scala covers Arnolfini's history in more detail. It's available from Arnolfini's bookshop priced just £4.95.

Arnolfini was established in 1961 by Jeremy and Annabel Rees, who were determined that Bristol should have its own contemporary arts centre. Initially they were based above a bookshop on the Triangle in Bristol. Link here for a full biography of Jeremy Rees: Source 'Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'.

After a brief period in Queen’s Square, the organisation moved to its current premises, a former tea warehouse, in 1975. This move proved to be a catalyst in attracting other businesses to the run-down dockside; the revitalised waterfront is now a focal point for Bristol's social and cultural life.

In the late ‘80s the architect David Chipperfield re-organised the gallery spaces and created a new café bar with the artist Bruce McLean.

Our recent re-development project marks the latest chapter in Arnolfini’s history. The extensive building works have expanded and improved Arnolfini’s spaces, bringing our facilities up to date and allowing us to show a wider variety of works.

A wide range of artists and performers have exhibited at Arnolfini. The list of now well-known artists who have shown here over the years include: Bridget Riley, Gina Pane, Louise Bourgeois and Paul McCartney who in 2000 launched his book with a small exhibition.

If you are interested in learning more about Arnolfini’s history, our reading room on Level 2 contains resources about the organisation, programme and the building.

What’s On Booking Learning Bookshop About Us Contacts Keep up to date You are viewing a page from an archived version of the Arnolfini website. You can go back to the current Arnolfini website any time.
Arnolfini's history *The book Art Spaces:Arnolfini* published by Scala covers Arnolfini's history in more detail. It's available from Arnolfini's bookshop priced just £4.95. Arnolfini was established in 1961 by Jeremy and Annabel Rees, who were determined that Bristol should have its own contemporary arts centre. Initially they were based above a bookshop on the Triangle in Bristol. Link here for a full biography of Jeremy Rees: Source 'Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'. After a brief period in Queen’s Square, the organisation moved to its current premises, a former tea warehouse, in 1975. This move proved to be a catalyst in attracting other businesses to the run-down dockside; the revitalised waterfront is now a focal point for Bristol's social and cultural life. In the late ‘80s the architect David Chipperfield re-organised the gallery spaces and created a new café bar with the artist Bruce McLean. Our recent re-development project marks the latest chapter in Arnolfini’s history. The extensive building works have expanded and improved Arnolfini’s spaces, bringing our facilities up to date and allowing us to show a wider variety of works. A wide range of artists and performers have exhibited at Arnolfini. The list of now well-known artists who have shown here over the years include: Bridget Riley, Gina Pane, Louise Bourgeois and Paul McCartney who in 2000 launched his book with a small exhibition. If you are interested in learning more about Arnolfini’s history, our reading room** on Level 2 contains resources about the organisation, programme and the building.
Support Us Press Hires and Events Jobs Access