The Watergate Street Gallery brings the CCA Art Bus and a selection of limited edition prints and original paintings by some of Britainâs leading contemporary artists to Chester.

A one off opportunity in the North West to view and purchase rare paintings from this incredible collection.

What better way to set the tone for Chester's next bid for City of Culture after unfortunately missing out this time round, than a visit by the iconic Art Bus - designed by pop art legend Sir Peter Blake - to the city this September. The CCA Art Bus is a piece of mobile art in itself, exhibiting work by artists including some past and present Royal Academicians and other current contemporary artists on its top deck gallery - giving a taste of the full exhibition being held at The Watergate Street Gallery.

On September 6th, The Art Bus will be joining in the exciting International Polo Weekend at Chester Racecourse, where VIP and corporate guests will be invited aboard for a private tour of the exhibition. Watergate Street Gallery will be offering lucky competition winners tickets to this exclusive event. Phone or call in to the gallery for details and to book your place on the bus!

Richard Thomas, Chief executive of Chester Racecourse said, "We are delighted to be able to offer the Audi International Polo event as a platform to showcase the Sir Peter Blake designed Art Bus. It is an exciting project for owner of The Watergate Street Gallery, Alex Sharp and we are pleased to be involved. I am sure our audience will embrace the Art Bus and take advantage of a one off opportunity to see some very unique and rare art whilst enjoying the polo event".

On Saturday 7th September the Art Bus will be touring Chester's stunning Roman landmarks for members of the public to enjoy. It will be touring the city centre from 9am and this is your one off opportunity to hop on board!

The Art Bus will parade around a number of famous locations, including the city walls, the roman amphitheatre, Watergate Street's Independent Quarter, and of course the Eastgate Clock, until it reaches its final destination - The Watergate Street Gallery at 11am. The gallery is hosting a private view from 12pm, all are welcome to attend, please note that due to limited capacity you must contact the gallery in advance for your free ticket to board the Art Bus. The gallery will present an exhibition of original limited edition prints including work by Sir Peter Blake, Barbara Rae CBE RA, Tom Phillips CBE RA, Bruce McLean, the late Storm Thorgerson, and the late Donald Hamilton Fraser RA, alongside new sensations Dan Baldwin and Joe Webb.

Sir Peter Blake designed the bus in a groovy pop art style with one objective: to create a rock nâ roll bus to house art.

The Art Bus came to life in 2008 when a 20yr old double-decker was bought, which had in a previous life toured the streets of Liverpool! It was customised and converted until it became something very special indeed. The final result was an artwork in its own right...of great flamboyance, beauty and of course rock 'n roll groove!

The Art Bus has welcomed Hollywood movie stars, musicians, famous artists, media and of course art lovers ranging from school children to the elderly all of whom have enjoyed an adventure into the visual arts.

The Watergate Street gallery has become part of the cityscape having been located at 60 Watergate Street for over 20 years. The gallery prides itself on offering art for all, an unrivalled collection of all kinds of art for aficionados, collectors and amateurs alike.

Alex Sharp, Owner of The Watergate Street Gallery said, "The gallery has payed homage to Blake's incredible collectors pieces over the years and we are delighted the Art Bus is joining us in Chester. It launches a series of genuine high quality art exhibitions at the gallery, the destination in the North for rare but affordable art. The Watergate Street Gallery prides itself on nurturing long-standing working relationships with artists. We also believes in making contemporary British art accessible to the wider community; both through our website and projects like the Art Bus, which takes our exhibition out there for the public of all age groups to enjoy".

It is expected that art lovers from across the Northwest will travel to Chester to visit the exhibition as it is a rare occasion to view and purchase art that can be found in collections like the Royal Academy or Tate.

The Art Bus accommodates just 12 people at any one time so the boarding process will be highly exclusive and selective for a number of lucky members of the public and VIPS.

The exhibition will continue until 6th October in The Watergate Street Gallery with free entry for all visitors over the duration for those who miss the Art Bus and a rare opportunity to purchase from this incredible collection.

To apply for your time slot ticket to board please visit www.watergatestreetgallery.co.uk or email alex@watergatestreetgallery.co.uk