Visitors can now explore a new exhibition at The Minories celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of internationally renowned artist John Constable.
John Constable: Celebrating 250 Years, which opened on 1 July, runs until 16 August and brings together a small but significant selection of works linked to the local area, including pieces from Colchester City Council's Museums Service, The Minories' own collection and local collector John Brandler.
The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on one of Britain’s most celebrated painters, best known for his iconic landscapes. Among the highlights is a rarely displayed figurative study, offering visitors the chance to see a more personal and less familiar side of Constable’s work.
The exhibition also highlights Constable’s close ties to north Essex and the Stour Valley, including Dedham and Flatford, where he produced some of his most famous works and developed the landscapes that would define his career.
Although modest in scale, the exhibition has been carefully curated to offer a rich and engaging experience. It is located in one of The Minories’ upstairs galleries, which is accessed via stairs only. The Minories is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Councillor Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Environment, said: “Colchester has a strong connection to Constable, both through its collections and its place in the landscapes that inspired his work. This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore that connection and see a different side to the country’s greatest landscape painter.”
Emma Howe, Director of The Minories, said: “We’re delighted to be marking this milestone anniversary with an exhibition that draws on strong local connections and partnerships. We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of Colchester City Council, which continues to play an important role in enabling our programme, including support towards major exhibitions such as the forthcoming Banksy show. That backing helps us bring high-quality and thought-provoking art to Colchester audiences.”
The exhibition runs until 16 August at The Minories.