Bath time | 25 March 2006

Three fine exhibitions are currently gracing the public galleries of Bath, and even though the new spa is shamefully late in opening, art-lovers are spoilt for choice. In fact, these shows are well worth a day trip from London if you live in town. Bath is a relatively easy hour-and-a-half’s journey from Paddington, and the rewards are considerable. Apart from the distinguished beauty of the city itself, all mellow Bath stone rising in proud tiers on the surrounding hills, this trio of shows provides an uncommon range of visual stimulation and entertainment. For those interested in the contemporary, the etchings and lithographs of Paula Rego make compulsive viewing, while a taste for Modern British art is piqued and satisfied by an excellent small display of Sickert’s work, focusing on his residence in the city. Meanwhile, at the other end of Great Pulteney Street, the Holburne plays host to an historical survey of great houses and their estates in the west of England.