Museums And Archives

Constable 250

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Suffolk artist, John Constable (1776-1837). Today Constable is recognised as one of the most important of all British artists, who changed how we look at our landscape and create art. The area where he was born, grew up, and painted is now known as ‘Constable Country’. Colchester + Ipswich Museums (CIMS) plan to lead a year-long celebration of this internationally significant artists’ life and art. We are aiming to establish three landmark exhibitions that will include Constable’s internationally famous painting The Hay Wain on loan from the National Gallery for the first time in Suffolk, alongside major works from Tate, V&A, Royal Academy (RA) and National Galleries of Scotland. These once in a lifetime loans will spark community events, artists responses and learning programmes. Constable 250 will create a deeper connection for diverse audiences to the natural world Constable depicted.