As a purpose-built visual arts and craft building, the venue comprises of an 110sqm gallery, artists’ studios and a workshop space for participatory classes.

There is also a café facility managed by Honesty Café group.

Striving to be a flagship visual arts venue in West Berkshire, The Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 54 exhibition launched the inaugural gallery programme.

Displaying some of the best wildlife photography from across the globe, the exhibition comprised of 100 photograph across 7 categories and is renowned for attracting millions of visitors around the world every year.

The Base is also home to 8 visual artists and craft makers as well as Open Studios West Berkshire and North Hampshire, who present their annual INSIGHT exhibition at The Base every May.

The Gallery

The gallery 110sqm and is fitted with specialist heating and humidity controls, enabling The Base to attract high quality touring exhibitions.

The windowless space enables precise lighting control, enabling the art works to take centre stage.

The Lookout Studio

This 40sqm room, based on the first floor, is a light and bright workshop space, perfect for participatory arts classes.

Participant numbers can vary between 8 and 15 depending on the activity and the programme offers something for a variety of ages across many disciplines.


Artists’ Studios

They will have 8 artists in residence all working professionally in the local area.

They are proud to champion both visual arts and craft makers in this space and with the studios have an open feel to them, there is a chance for visitors to engage in the art-making process to help bolster the understanding of visitors to the space.