About us

Smiths Row is a contemporary art gallery in the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds. Housed in an impressive Grade 1 listed building by Robert Adam, we show work by leading and emerging national and international artists and makers.  We have an exciting programme of curated exhibitions and public art projects, accompanied by a range of tours, talks and workshops.  Admission to all our exhibitions is free.  Our contemporary craft shop showcases affordable work by the very best British makers, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles and printmaking, alongside artist-designed cards and wrapping paper. 

Smiths Row is a registered educational charity and the centre for contemporary craft in the East of England,  bringing high-quality art to audiences across West Suffolk.   Smiths Row supports the careers of artists and makers through a one-to-one artists surgeries and Hothouse East, a maker development programme we deliver in partnership with the Crafts Council and the University of Hertfordshire. 

The architecture of Smiths Row is quite spectacular.  The gallery occupies the first floor of an elegant building designed as a theatre in the 1770s, and retains its high ceilings, Georgian façade and elegant arched windows.  At the centre of the space is a pair of magnificent Venetian crystal chandeliers.

Smiths Row is a great place to see new work by up-and-coming artists, alongside more established names, and to see and buy the best contemporary craft.