Ramsbury Manor set to become art gallery and museum for the nation

Ramsbury Manor National Art Gallery

Ramsbury Manor To Become National Art Gallery

Ramsbury could be in line for a major art gallery and museum under plans announced this week.

Harry Hyams, the reclusive millionaire owner of Ramsbury Manor who died last year, is reported to have left his entire collection of art and vintage cars, worth nearly £500 million, to the nation. 

Many important works, including Turners, Millets and Stubbs, have been on longterm loan to institutions around the UK but may in time be relocated to Ramsbury. 

Before his death, Mr Hyams set up the Capricorn Foundation to administer and display his collection and to open the Manor to the public.

Update April 2019 Ramsbury Manor Opening times are not expected to be announced anytime soon, art works are still to be catalogued and the Manor site and grounds upgraded for public access.

Update 2020 Ramsbury Manor unlikely to be open to the general public. Most likely a specialist conference venue.

Planning permission for cottage conversion into site offices is in progress and it has been suggested in due course access will be given to the public for certain walking trails.

Interesting Ramsbury Fact: Ramsbury Manor was stated by the 1966 Guinness Book of Records to have been the “most expensive” house in Britain.