Making the Most of Your Visit to Fine Art Commissions

Fine Art Commissions, nestled in the pretty village of Ham in east Wiltshire, offers a unique blend of gallery and working artist’s studio in a truly beautiful setting within the Vale of Pewsey and the North Wessex Downs National Landscape – officially designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Specialising in portraiture, Fine Art Commissions works with internationally renowned artists and provides a rare opportunity to see both finished works and the creative process behind them.  The gallery itself is a remarkable space, featuring striking gilt pillars once owned by John Singer Sargent, which frame the north window and add a sense of history and elegance to your visit.

Whether you are considering commissioning a portrait, browsing the latest exhibition or simply enjoying a leisurely look through the collection, there is plenty to discover.  The atmosphere is both inspiring and welcoming, inviting you to take your time and explore.

If you are travelling from further afield, why not make a day of it or perhaps even longer? The surrounding area offers beautiful countryside, peaceful walks and a rich sense of local history.  From charming villages to scenic landscapes, there is much to enjoy before or after your visit.

Here are some suggestions!

If you have just one day to spend here, you can easily turn your visit into a rewarding mix of art, history and countryside.

Start with lunch at The Crown & Anchor in Ham, just a short distance down the lane from the gallery.  This stylish country pub with rooms serves delicious, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, combining traditional flavours with a contemporary twist.

After lunch, take a moment to visit the 12th-century Grade I listed All Saints’ Church. Inside, you’ll find a fine 16th-century memorial to local philanthropist John Hunt on the north wall – one of many small but fascinating details that bring the village’s history to life.

If you’re tempted to stretch your legs, the “Walks from the Crown & Anchor” book offers 25 routes in and around Ham.  Copies are available at the pub or you can download routes from our website, making it easy to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

For those keen to venture a little further, head west along the A338.  At the double bends, you’ll spot the turning on the right for Wilton Windmill.  Built in 1821, it is the only working windmill in Wessex still producing flour (although it is, at the time of writing, paused for replacement sails).  The site is open all year round, with interpretation boards explaining its history.  During the open season – from Easter to the end of September – you can also enjoy guided tours, visit the Granary museum and stop for refreshments on Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm.

Set high on the downs, the windmill offers a wonderfully peaceful setting with far-reaching views to the southern downland scarp – marking the edge of Salisbury Plain.

From here, continue your journey to Crofton Beam Engines, an extraordinary piece of industrial heritage built to pump water into the Kennet & Avon Canal. Remarkably, the engines still operate today.  Opening times vary, with regular steaming weekends, so it’s worth checking ahead before you visit.

Alternatively, leave the car behind and explore on foot.  A rewarding walk links Wilton Windmill and Crofton Beam Engines, following ancient rights of way and even a Roman road.  Along the route, you’ll encounter sweeping views including a snapshot of the Industrial Revolution, Wilton Water and the welcoming Swan Inn.

Each place to stay in the Vale of Pewsey is wonderfully individual. You won’t find chain hotels here – just a carefully curated mix of welcoming B&Bs, glamping sites and self-catering options, all offering something a little different. You can explore a full range of accommodation on the website.

For convenience, The Crown & Anchor in Ham is just a short walk from the Fine Art Commissions gallery and combines comfort with thoughtful design in a relaxed country setting.

We’ve already suggested how to spend a perfect day in the area, so why not stay a little longer?  With an extra day, you can delve deeper into the landscapes and village life that make this part of Wiltshire so special.

Begin your day on the Pewsey Downs, part of a National Nature Reserve and one of the most striking landscapes in southern England.  At Alton Barnes, the White Horse carved into the chalk hillside is an iconic sight. Walk up on to Walkers Hill to see it close up, then to Adam’s Grave, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the Vale.

From here, make your way down to Honeystreet Mill.  The canal bridge by Honeystreet Mill is the perfect vantage point to see the White Horse as it was intended to be seen when it was created in 1812 by local farmer Robert Pile.  Take time to browse the Farm Shop, explore the Crop Circle Visitor Centre & Exhibition and enjoy a relaxed lunch at the canal-side Honeystreet Mill Café.

Be sure to visit the statue of King Alfred – something of a local landmark – and take a short walk to the Scotchel Nature Reserve, where you can get close to the river and enjoy birdsong in a quiet, natural setting.

No visit is complete without treating yourself to a traditional lardy cake from Marshall’s Bakery, a much-loved local speciality. Afterwards, take time for a coffee at one of the local cafes – Kokoon Home & Coffee is a favourite, combining excellent coffee with a carefully curated homeware selection.

If you’re ready for more fresh air, Pewsey is an excellent base for walking. There are numerous routes to choose from, whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a longer hike across the downs.  Free parking is available at Bouverie Hall, making it easy to set off and explore.  Further route ideas can be found on the website.

If two days isn’t enough, there’s plenty more to discover. From short breaks to week-long itineraries, the Vale of Pewsey offers endless opportunities to explore at your own pace.

Your visit to Fine Art Commissions in Ham could be just the beginning of a much longer adventure!