The Harris Art Gallery, Museum and Library is Preston's focal point building. It is a very fine late 19th Century building with a large balcony area overlooking the old Flag Market (flag as in paving stone). Special events such as sporting successes are celebrated from the balcony to the crowds in the market square. The last one being Andrew Flintoff receiving the Freedom of the City of Preston. The building is best viewed from Friargate.

The centre of the building is topped by a large dome from which hangs a metal ball that swings with the earths rotation. The three upper stories are built around this central atrium.

The ground floor holds the library and a cafe.

The 1st floor has a display of the history of Preston and perfume bottles.

The 2nd floor has a modern and fine art section and a display of clothing. The modern art and clothing displays are frequently changed. In May 2006 there is a display of the drawings done by animals and plants (sic) which is fascinating and imaginative.

It was built in 1893 using a bequest from Edmund Robert Harris, a local lawyer. He also had the main college named after him, the Harris College, now the University of Central Lancashire. The architect was James Hibbert.

It is free to enter and is open every day, please check. Web-site.http://www.visitpreston.com/harris/

A recent acquisition is the dress worn by the subject of one of the main paintings in the art collection. Strangely the dress looks better in the painting as it is displayed fully buttoned but worn loosely in the painting. Interesting also the explanation of how the painting was obtained during the war at a cost of £1000.

Link to Art in the Preston area