Illustration — photo coming soon
Make Art Not War is a working gallery in Newbury, a market town in West Berkshire that sits just south of the Cotswolds boundary.
It's a space where contemporary artists—both emerging and established—show their work across different mediums, with a real focus on art that engages with social and political ideas. You'll find pieces here that encourage you to think critically about what you're seeing and spark conversations about the themes on display.
The gallery welcomes everyone, whether you're just browsing or seriously looking to collect. You can wander through current exhibitions to discover new artists, and there's often a chance to buy original work directly from the people who made it. Because it's built around supporting independent artistic practice, you'll encounter pieces you simply wouldn't find in more commercial gallery spaces.
Newbury itself is worth spending time in. The town has deep historical connections, particularly to the English Civil War, and the Kennet and Avon Canal runs through the centre, giving you pleasant walks and a tangible sense of the area's industrial past. While technically just outside the official Cotswolds, Newbury is conveniently positioned near the region's southern edge, making it a straightforward detour if you're staying in that part of the Cotswolds. Hungerford and Thatcham are also nearby if you're planning a wider day out.
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