Old Big School Gallery

The gallery is a non-profit space that showcases work from artists ranging from recent graduates to established names bringing contemporary art to the heart of Kent. It also provides a platform for the work of Tonbridge School pupils and staff.

Exhibitions explore particular themes or provide a showcase for individual artists. They often include objects that are not traditionally thought of as ‘art’ and may thereby entice their audience to re-examine their preconceptions about what art can be. OBS Gallery provides a space for enquiry and reflection.

Chinwe Russell Exhibition - LT 2025

Old Big School Gallery is a highly versatile space with the following features:

56 linear metres of wall hanging space
an additional 17m of movable walls
200m sq. of floor space
smaller mezzanine space
digitally controlled lighting
trained art-handlers
av equipment
under-floor heating
excellent catering service available
24hr security
available for corporate events

Exhibitions

Old Big School & The Tunnel Gallery

Two major exhibitions take place at Old Big School Gallery during the year; mid January and mid September. Between these times there are wall based exhibitions that take into account the space’s additional use for student exams.

The Tunnel Gallery holds up to 10 exhibitions per year and, during the first two school terms, is home to the Artist in Residence.

Learn more about previous exhibitions

Follow us on Instagram

Follow @old_big_school_gallery to see the behind-the-scenes-build-up to the next exhibition and previous shows.

What's On

Working with Schools

Why bring your class?

Visiting an exhibition at Old Big School Gallery enables pupils to see works of art ‘in the flesh.’ This can help them to understand and appreciate the materials used in the making of an artwork, which isn’t always possible when looking at a reproduction in a book or on a screen. This can not only inspire pupils to try out new materials and processes in their own work, but also to gain new ideas for ways of working in those that are already familiar.

Our Gallery Educator has experience of working with a wide range of age groups within both primary and secondary schools. She can give students an insight into the artists’ ideas and processes, and also help them to share their own responses.

Many of the exhibitions explore ideas that go beyond what has traditionally been thought of as the realm of art. The programme to date has included artwork that references politics, economics, maths, geography, ecology, biology, physics and computing.

We hope your visit to OBS Gallery inspires your pupils to create their own work.

If you would like to arrange a school visit when an exhibition is on display, during the Michaelmas or Lent Term each year, please contact the gallery administrator.

Tunnel Gallery

The Tunnel Gallery is a well-established exhibition space in the heart of Tonbridge School.

With a generous 25 metres of wall space and 60 sq. m of floor space, it holds up to 10 exhibitions per year and during the first two school terms, it is home to the Tunnel Gallery Artist in Residence.

The Gallery provides an extremely flexible space in a convenient location, the only real limitations being the extent of one’s creativity.

Your Event

Old Big School Gallery is at the heart of the School and this venue forms part of the original Victorian school building. Having recently been refurbished, Old Big School Gallery has been transformed into a multi-functional space. The heritage and character of the space remains and it now benefits from a state-of-the-art lighting and audio visual equipment, mobile display walls and a mezzanine gallery.

It is a superb venue for the arts, conferences and exhibitions, receptions and select catering events.

For further information please contact:

Events: +44 (0) 1732 304268

events@tonbridge-school.org