New research from King’s College London reveals that visiting art galleries can significantly reduce stress, lower inflammation linked to heart disease, and strengthen the immune system.
A Knutsford art gallery has welcomed the findings.
In the first study of its kind, participants who viewed original artworks in a gallery setting experienced a 22 per cent drop in the stress hormone cortisol, alongside major reductions in inflammatory markers associated with chronic illness.
The research also showed that art positively affects the immune, nervous and hormonal systems at the same time, offering compelling evidence that cultural experiences can play a real role in protecting both mind and body.
Zoe Garner, founder of Oil Art Advisory Gallery, said: “This study powerfully confirms the vital role that galleries play in supporting public wellbeing.
“We are proud to provide a space where people can experience the proven health benefits of art, whether they come to collect, to learn, or simply to feel better.”
The findings reinforce the growing recognition of galleries not just as cultural spaces, but as essential contributors to public health and wellbeing.
The contemporary gallery on King Street is currently hosting an exhibition of work by Marco Grassi.
This Italian-Swiss artist was born in Milan in 1966 and now lives and works in Lugano, Switzerland.
His dual cultural heritage, positioned between Italian expressiveness and Swiss precision, places him at the intersection of two rich artistic traditions.
His paintings often depict female figures against luminous gold or metallic backgrounds, evoking both contemporary and classical iconography.
He typically works in oil or resin on aluminium, and frequently incorporates gold or silver leaf to heighten the tactile and reflective qualities of his surfaces.
His style has evolved over time from sharply defined outlines to a softer, more atmospheric integration of figure and background, creating a distinctive tension between precision and mystery.
Highly regarded in the contemporary art world, Grassi’s work is represented by leading galleries and collected internationally.