The Higgins Bedford is delighted to announce the opening of Colour and Light, a captivating new exhibition exploring the fascinating relationship between colour and light in art from the 18th century to the present day.
Opening on Saturday 15 February 2025 and running until 2 November 2025, the exhibition will showcase a dazzling array of works from The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, including iconic pieces by JMW Turner, John Singer Sargent, Sonia Delaunay, Peter Blake, and Chila Kumari Singh Burman.
A highlight of the exhibition will be the inclusion of ‘Cecil and Kali’, a vibrant work by Burman created during her residency at The Higgins in 2003. This unique piece incorporates her signature colourful "girly" accessories alongside objects from the museum's own education collection.
Colour and Light will also feature a specially commissioned artwork by Alison Goodyear, ‘Light & Colour’. This immersive digital experience, created in collaboration with four Bedford community groups, is inspired by the works in the exhibition. It will be presented as an animated film and in augmented reality, allowing visitors to engage with the exhibition in new and exciting ways.
"We are thrilled to be presenting this stunning exhibition, which will offer visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating world of colour and light," said Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, at Bedford Borough Council, "The inclusion of Alison Goodyear's innovative new digital artwork, created in collaboration with local community groups, adds a contemporary and interactive dimension to the exhibition, making it a truly special experience for all."
Colour and Light is free to attend and will be accompanied by a series of engaging events, including tours, lectures, and a study day. A full-colour exhibition catalogue will also be available for purchase from The Higgins Bedford gift shop.
The exhibition is curated by Dr Mary O’Neill, contributing author to ‘Henry Scott Tuke’, Professor Christiana Payne, previously curator of Landscape and Imagination at Compton Verney and author of ‘Pre-Raphaelites: Drawings and Watercolours’, and Victoria Partridge, Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art at The Higgins Bedford.
Learn more about The Higgins Bedford at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Home.aspx
The exhibition is supported by Arts Council England. Alison Goodyear's project has received £11,259.41 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £8765.56 through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus