Fisherton Mill
No trip to Salisbury would be complete without a visit to Fisherton Mill, where you can explore a treasure trove of amazing artwork in the largest independent art gallery in the South West.
Spread over two floors and overflowing into a sunny courtyard, ever-changing, contemporary collections bring together the work of leading artists, sculptors
and furniture makers from the UK and beyond. You’ll find regular themed exhibitions and studio spaces, which are home to artists, jewellers, a milliner and a sculptor.
Discover beautiful handmade cards and jewellery, as well as original glassware, ceramics and textiles - and take time to enjoy some of the finer things in life in a uniquely historic setting.
Tempting cream teas, generously filled sandwiches and main meals for the most discerning are served in the relaxed and friendly café, a slice of foodie heaven in the heart of Salisbury.
The fresh, quality ingredients and the care and creativity of chef proprietor Michael Fox, make this a culinary treat worth talking about. Pop in for afternoon tea, the chilled-out jazz brunch, an evening’s fine dining or a takeaway if time is against you - and, for a special event, the café will even deliver its fine food to you!
The Guardian newspaper said recently - “Fisherton Mill in Salisbury is now a hotbed of artistic industry”.
Only a stone’s throw from Stonehenge and Old Sarum, Fisherton Mill is a beautiful example of a more recent period in Salisbury’s history. Built for W. Main & Sons Ltd in 1880, this impressive Victorian mill kept the family’s shop stocked up with animal feed, seeds and fertilisers, as well as processing grain. Workhorses were used to transport the goods into the market square (now the Portman building society) and the stables were situated where the workshops are today.
During WW1, the Mill was used as warehouse space for the Australian army, but after the war, it was business as usual, only with lorries instead of horses and electricity providing light and power to the machinery. From 1920-50, the business flourished, with manual labour still central to the process. Up to 25 people were employed, all fit and healthy enough to move the bulky 250lb sacks of grain.
With the 1960s came the onset of mechanisation and the end of intensive manual labour. Following the introduction of purpose-built mills and storage silos, Fisherton Mill couldn’t compete. In 1984, after much soul searching, the business was closed.
The historic building has since been a carpet warehouse and an illegal rave venue, but in 1994 Michael Main, the grandson of the original owner, rescued it and opened The Gallery.
The Café was established the following year by Michael and Deborah Fox and, since then, studio spaces have sprung up to give talented artists and designers the space to create and add another dimension to this ever-evolving history.
Salisbury is a fascinating place to visit. It has successfully combined the charm of its medieval city with the vibrancy of modern life, the high street names and a modern café culture intermingle with independent shops and traditional pubs seamlessly. Explore for yourself - we are sure that you will find it a most rewarding experience.
www.touristhandbook.co.uk
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