Bear
Steps
Art Gallery
About the Bear Steps Art Gallery & the Shrewsbury Civic Society
Operating in the fifteenth century restored building known as "The Bear Steps" at the centre of medieval Shrewsbury, the art gallery is a wonderful place for both budding & professional artists to display their work. We pride ourselves on being one of the few art galleries who are willing to accept & exhibit ANY work (as long as it doesn't offend public taste of course)...so it doesn't matter if you are the next Vincent Van Gogh or simply someone who's often dreamed of having an exhibition to show off your creative hobby -everyone is welcome :)
If you are interested in booking an exhibition please browse our Terms & Conditions and Contact sections for all the information you'll need. We look forward to hearing from you!
For visitors The Bear Steps is a haven of calm off the main shopping streets and provides the opportunity to view a wide variety of exhibitions which change every fortnight & also see inside one of the most beautiful and historic buildings that Shrewsbury has to offer. There is also a range of local information and maps available & now with our new re-vamped & re-furbished shop area an attractive selection of quality art related goods all lovingly created by some of the county's finest artists. You will almost always find a knowledgeable Shrewsbury Civic Society volunteer behind the counter to great you with a smile and chat about Shrewsbury and its wonderful features and help you with any questions or assistance you may need while visiting our lovely town. We look forward to welcoming you!!
The Shrewsbury Civic Society
The Art Gallery
The people behind the Bear Steps Art Gallery are the Shrewsbury Civic Society. The Civic Society was established in 1963 and when the group of buildings now known as The Bear Steps was threatened with demolition in 1968 they undertook the project to save and restore them. The Civic Society raised the £50,000 necessary and by 1972 the restoration work was completed and the Society gave the newly restored Bear Steps to the Borough Council for it to be used for the benefit of the people in the town. Now in modern times the building houses the successful art gallery, a thriving cafe and remains the headquarters of the Shrewsbury Civic Society.
Shrewsbury Civic Society aims to involve people of different ages and all backgrounds, to undertake practical projects as well as campaigning for a better urban environment.
The Shrewsbury Civic Society established in 1963 brings together many individuals and over 40 corporate members interested in the town and its future development.
The Society seeks to:
• provide a forum for studying and discussing issues affecting the town’s development, -including its buildings,
roads, transport and leisure facilities.
• monitor applications and make constructive contributions to issues that affect the town’s development.
• provide educational resources and information to encourage interest in the town’s heritage.
• encourage the restoration and preservation of threatened buildings and encourage high standards in new
buildings – alongside our historical stock.
Since it was founded it has:
• restored Bear Steps (now a successful art gallery, meeting room and the headquarters of the Civic Society).
• made biennial awards and commendations for new buildings and restorations.
• helped restore the 16th Century Fellmonger’s Hall.
• organised and fund Heritage Open Days every September. • published the Shrewsbury Town Trail.
• worked in partnership with English heritage to open the Ditherington Flaxmill to the public.
• carried out the hoardings survey within the conservation area, which has since been adopted and implemented
by SABC.
• produced a West End Regeneration Planning Brief, 90% of which has been adopted by the Council.
• carried out Article Four surveys for conservation area appraisals.
• co-organised the International Cartoon Festival every April.
• produced the Thomas Telford touring exhibition.
• campaigned for the retention of the Stew and Maltings, Frankwell.
For further information about Shrewsbury Civic Society please visit us at:
