Glenn Brown's 'Arrows of Desire' Opens at Holburne Museum in Bath
Glenn Brown is making a significant comeback to Bath with two exhibitions running simultaneously. The first, titled 'Brown in Bath: Arrows of Desire', will be at the Holburne Museum from May 16 to September 6, 2026. The second, 'Grottoesque', will be showcased at No. 1 Royal Crescent from May 22 to September 6, 2026. This return is especially meaningful for Brown, who studied at the Bath School of Art and Design from 1985 to 1988. His work at the Holburne will blend with the museum's historical pieces, while No. 1 Royal Crescent will feature a unique grotto-themed gallery. Chris Stephens, the director of the Holburne, lauded Brown as a leading figure in contemporary painting. Brown, born in 1966 and a CBE, described his return as "an extraordinary pleasure."
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Brown in Bath: Arrows of Desire' at Holburne Museum runs 16 May – 6 September 2026
- Exhibition 'Grottoesque' at No. 1 Royal Crescent runs 22 May – 6 September 2026
- Brown studied at Bath School of Art and Design from 1985 to 1988
- Holburne Museum Director Chris Stephens praised Brown as 'one of the most important painters'
- Brown's trompe-l'oeil technique creates illusion of thick impasto with thin brushstrokes
- Brown's sculptures use oil paint over structures or found bronze casts
- Brown was appointed CBE and born in 1966
- Exhibitions include paintings, drawings, and immersive grotto installation
Entities
Artists
- Glenn Brown
Institutions
- Holburne Museum
- No. 1 Royal Crescent
- Bath School of Art and Design
Locations
- Bath
- United Kingdom