Firstsite — Attraction in Colchester

Its got no Picasso, no Vincent, and no Mona Lisa. Consequently you don't have crowds milling around looking for that Instagramable shot of a weary work of art that familiarity has rendered redundant.

Instead you have exhibitions and works by local artists. If you hold in your mind that almost every artist has had a Van Gogh like struggle to self expression, then almost every piece on display here is worthy of contemplation.

Even if the art auction houses of London and Edinburgh would be dismissive of their monetary worth. The value in art we must remember, is not in money, but in the intelligent conveyance of a vision. Each piece is a skirmish in humanities battle against the fleetness of time.

Colchester is a friendly, working class town. The staff, unusually for a public gallery, have managed to bring a little of that friendliness into the gallery.

The café is very good, there are also seats outside, but unfortunately there is no shade from the sun.

All in all a great, hardworking local gallery that even encourages the local youths to use the outside space for skate boarding and socialising. I shall...

Best summed up by my relaying the experience of trying to simply purchase, a takeaway cup of coffee.

As has now evolved within local councils to satisfy woke now standards by the multi-degree-holding elite boards of overseers, every purchase is an experience!

Modesty and professionalism now obviously hinder personal rights for customer-facing staff.

These woke compliant days ensure seemingly 'performing' facial- piercings that bounce when the poor 'better than you' oppressed individual talks, is dress code permitted.

Confidently confirming, "There are issues with the whole cup, lid arrangement" wad the reply to being asked, why don't any lids fit any cups?

Maybe just maybe, the powers overseeing the fiasco (pre-woke those competent managers) could focus upon the basics.

As "lids are for display purposes only" isn't good business?

Ah, my bad! Business basics oppress those enslaved to supply the demands of the oppressors (aka customers by some...

So disappointing on our visit! Nothing for very small children during the week anymore. There use to be lots of games for children and home-ed children to free play with. One member of staff was quite intimidating towards a tiny toddler within the gallery area yet they have as much right to play and enjoy themselves as anyone else.

This used to be a great place for mixed ages to learn all about various arts and history, to come together as a community and also space to just enjoy some indoor time together. What a shame it seems to only cater for older children and adults only especially as everything was taken away from babies in 2020-2021 with all under one activities and meet-ups banned.

Cannot fault the kind and welcoming catering staff! Absolute delight with their way of talking to each person, even littles and would definitely...