The Art of Imagination Of Graham Collins

Graham Collins has filled a gallery space in Billericay with the kind of art that makes you stop and actually look. Sculptures, paintings, installations - the work spans everything from abstract pieces to figurative stuff that catches you off guard. It's a proper independent setup, the sort of place that rewards turning up without huge expectations and leaving pleasantly surprised.

The gallery works best for art enthusiasts who like discovering work outside the usual commercial circuit, though anyone passing through Billericay with a spare hour won't regret popping in. Kids might engage depending on their age - some of the pieces are genuinely thought-provoking rather than just decorative. The atmosphere is intimate rather than grand, which means you can actually spend time with individual works without feeling rushed.

If you're camping nearby - Barleylands is practically on the doorstep at just a tenth of a mile away - this is worth building into your itinerary as a wet-weather option or a quiet afternoon break from park activities. Stuarts Wood, a bit further out at 4.2 miles, makes this a reasonable detour if you're exploring the wider area.

Contact ahead to confirm current opening hours and whether there's any entry charge, as smaller independent galleries often keep fluid schedules. Even if the gallery itself is closed, you might spot work in the windows - Collins' stuff tends to provoke opinion, which is rather the point.