Art Returns to the Streets

For centuries, artists have been captivated by Chester's iconic Rows, creating hundreds of paintings and illustrations that capture these remarkable galleries through time. This November, the Grosvenor Museum and Heritage Chester are bringing art back to the streets that inspired it.

Throughout the entire month, discover digital prints from the Museum's collection displayed in shop windows along the Rows - allowing you to stand exactly where artists once placed their easels and see how these medieval walkways have evolved over centuries.

Shop Window locations - available to view all month

1. Well Travelled Clinics - North Watergate Row

2. Julie Colclough Gallery - South Watergate Row

3. Sick to Death - Bridge Street Row East

4. Up and Running - Bridge Street Row East

5. Powells Jewellery - Bridge Street Row East

6. The Leather Shop/The Clock Tailors - Eastgate Row North

Special Pop-Up Viewings

Join our volunteer experts on selected dates from 11.15am - 12.45pm when additional digital prints of original paintings will be displayed in their historic locations:

Saturday 29th November

1. Watergate Street | What 3 Words location: ///intro.grab.reap

Discover the mid-19th century piece by Allen Edward Everitt. A beautiful depiction of Bishop Lloyd’s Palace before the changes made by the architect Thomas Meakin Lockwood at the end of the 19^th century.

2. Lower Bridge Street | What 3 Words location: ///pulled.count.jokes

An opportunity to discover two masterpieces; The first, Gamul Place early 19^th century by the artist William Tasker. The second, The Falcon and Lamb Row from 1803 by artist John Varley Snr. 

3. Eastgate Street | What 3 Words location: ///labs.planet.button

Find us with three pieces; Eastgate Street before the clock was added in 1897 by John Gresty, second an even earlier lithograph from 1829 by Pickering looking towards the Cross.  It shows a bustling Eastgate Street with stall holders on the street.

Finally, a guest star, we will have an image showing Shoemaker Row on Northgate Street – before current Edwardian buildings with raised pavement.

Experience these masterpieces where they were meant to be seen - not behind museum glass, but alive in the very streets they depict. Compare past and present as you explore how generations of artists have immortalised Chester's unique architectural treasure.

A rare opportunity to see the Rows through the eyes of history's artists, right where they stood.

FAQs

• Is the venue fully accessible (without steps, rough ground, steep gradients)?

This event takes place in the street and on the Rows. For access information regarding the rows, please visit: https://visitcheshire.com/the-rows/accessible-rows

• Is this event suitable for children?

Yes! This event is suitable for children with an interest in the subject.