National Gallery masterpieces to be recreated in major Torquay seafront trail

Torre Abbey is taking part in The National Gallery: Art on Your Doorstep, an ambitious new touring project bringing masterpieces from one of the world’s greatest art collections directly into communities across the UK.

As one of the first four partners selected for the 2025–2026 programme, Torbay will host a unique outdoor exhibition from March 6 to September 5, showcasing life‑sized reproductions of iconic paintings from the National Gallery. 

Displayed in a free, open‑air trail stretching from Torre Abbey to Torquay Harbour, the exhibition will celebrate the seafront while spotlighting the Bay’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors and residents will have the rare chance to enjoy world‑class art in everyday surroundings. 

Each work will be reproduced at its original scale, complete with fine‑detail printing and framing, allowing people to appreciate brushwork and composition up close — all without needing to travel to London.

The trail will be curated and designed by Torre Abbey. A spokesman said: “As one of Torbay’s flagship cultural sites, Torre Abbey is delighted to play a central role in hosting this major national exhibition, reinforcing our commitment to inspiring creativity, supporting community engagement, and making art accessible to all.

“Throughout 2026, Torre Abbey will host a series of linked events, workshops and exhibitions, offering new ways for audiences of all ages to explore the National Gallery’s masterpieces and deepen their connection to art and heritage.”

The project forms part of a wider National Gallery initiative to bring art closer to communities across the UK as part of its Bicentenary and ongoing national partnerships programme. 

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to bring the magic of the National Gallery to Torquay.”