Overview

The RWA gallery is currently closed for a big building project and will reopen in spring 2022. When I was in the building before the building work began, it still made a good visit despite Covid restrictions. Beautiful Grade II listed building, being upgraded with accessibility in mind. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The grand-looking building hosts exhibitions of both new and old art, and there are workshops and activities run by artists for adults and children on and off-site. Automatic doors at the entrance to the building, very old lift being replaced soon with a brand new one. The accessible toilet is fine but a new changing places toilet is additionally being installed during the building project. When reopened, RWA will continue to have a new exhibition every three months. During Covid restrictions you needed to prebook a time slot, so this might continue for some events/shows.

Transport & Parking

2

No carpark - parking is difficult on the street (permit holders only, mostly). There is an accessible parking space on the forecourt that needs pre booking. There are local bus services that stop further along the road. Taxis can pull onto the forecourt for drop-offs. Nearest car parks are a little way off.

Access

2.5

Wide ramp to entrance. Seating throughout the galleries for a rest. Large print labels available as hand-outs in the galleries. Lift to other floors was ancient and had heavy grill and door to heave into place. It is going to be vastly improved with new larger lift. Good signage throughout, being improved again during the building project. Induction loop being installed at welcome desk.

Toilets

5

Roomy & clean with grabrails and red cord. Tap in sink dripping. Bright coloured toilet seat good for people with dementia. RWA is going to have a Changing Places toilet installed as part of the building project to improve access, so this will be available when it reopens in spring 2022.

Staff

5

Kind, helpful and friendly.