Artist Jo Spyropoulos said she never expected to find herself living in Bedford, but when she did move here, she – like many others – was delighted to find a unique and vibrant creative community and wealth of art and culture on her doorstep.
And she was baffled that it all seemed to be such a well-kept secret.
“Within a stone’s throw of the town centre, one’s artistic leanings can be satisfied by the Higgins, a museum of national importance, housing, not only the history of Bedford and its people, a superb Arts and Crafts section, and the wonderful Edward Bawden Gallery, the Bunyan Museum, devoted to one of England’s greatest freethinkers and the Panacea Museum housing memorabilia of Mabel Barltrop, an individual religious thinker,” said Jo.
“The Eagle Bookshop and the Eagle Gallery provide a cultural hub for those so inclined and I gradually became aware of the vibrant artistic and musical life of Bedford, sustained by a community of individual and fulfilled artists and performers.”
Why, thought Jo, had I never heard of this vibrant community, placed in the heart of England with amazing links, of road and rail and a beautiful river? She developed a pride in her newfound hometown and wanted to share it with as many people as possible.
Putting pen and paintbrush to paper, Jo set about creating a map that could provide a link to each of the cultural gems on our doorstep.
“I began on a journey that seemed rather like starting in a small boat through a big storm!” said Jo. “Sometimes there was progress, and sometimes I was daunted. Helpful bodies took on the production, but certain lockdown restrictions brought us to a dead end.”
Thankfully, 18 months ago, Sally Pennycate stepped forward to offer her time as well as technical and artistic advice and the Eagle Gallery offered to sponsor and pay for the printing of the trail.
“I am grateful to all the people who have helped me from the inception to its ultimate completion, individuals, organisations, but ultimately The Eagle Gallery itself providing generous support.”
Limitations of size have meant that Jo has not been able to include all the many exciting shops and projects on this version of the map, but maybe next time…
Sharing the ethos of the Bedford Clanger, Jo says: “My dream is that this exciting town finds its place among other Midland towns and that our independent markets and museums, shops, galleries and pop-up arts venues attract people from near and far to spend a day enjoying the creative centres we have to offer.”
You can pick up a copy of the Bedford Art Trail map at the Eagle Gallery and Eagle Bookshop as well as other independent venues around Bedford. You can also download a PDF from the Eagle Gallery website.
This article originally appeared in the
March 2024 issue of the Bedford Clanger
