About

The Stradling Collection holds an extensive collection of design, craft, and fine art from Britain, Europe and Scandinavia.

Highlights include 500 studio ceramics from some of the most esteemed names in the practice, such as Hans Coper, Lucie Rie, and Gillian Lowndes, as well as original Marcel Breuer furniture and an extensive collection of Scandinavian glass.

The Collection tells a key part of Bristol's design history, growing out of our founder Ken Stradling and his time as director of the Bristol Guild of Applied Arts, a hub for craftspeople, artists and designers throughout its 116 years of trading on Park Street, Bristol. That legacy is still visible in the Collection today, making us a distinctive stop for groups interested in the story of British and Scandinavian design. 

Audio guides are provided through Bloomberg Connect, with transcriptions that can be translated via the app.  

Key selling points for groups

• Three floors of public display: The ground floor is our changing exhibition space, hosting three exhibitions a year, all drawing from the stories that the objects in the Collection tell. The other two floors tell a unique story of Bristol's connection to icons of craft and design, as well as the core themes within the Collection.

• Prepaid entry at £6 per person for groups over 10, with direct communication with staff throughout the booking process.

• Exclusive curators' tours (£15 per person, max 12 people), giving a guided tour of our permanent collection plus exclusive access to the basement, which houses the rest of the Collection not seen by the public.

Useful information for travel trade

Group booking procedures 

• Group bookings are coordinated directly with Lucy Middleweek, centre manager

Rates and pricing 

• The Stradling Collection does not currently offer commissionable rates or guaranteed FIT rates, though they are open to discussing arrangements with trade partners. 

Group sizes and event capacity 

• Minimum group size for the prepaid rate is 10; maximum for curators' tours is 12. For general visitors, the maximum is 20 visitors, or 30 with staggered entry.

Coach access and parking 

• The nearest coach drop-off is directly outside the front of the building, provided at least 48 hours' notice of ETA is given. Car parking is available at Trenchard Street car park, a 5-minute walk away.

Enhanced and exclusive experiences

For groups over 10 booking standard entry (£6 per person), a 10% discount is available.

For exclusive curators' tours (£15 per person), groups over 8 people receive a 15% discount. 

At an additional cost, they can also offer: 

• Object handling sessions 
• A glass of fizz on arrival (approx. £5 per person extra) 
• Private hire for events