A highly anticipated ‘We Are Ten’ exhibition, starting at The Higgins Bedford tomorrow (Saturday), will commemorate the remarkable transformation of the local museum and art gallery over the past decade.
Opening its doors on Saturday, 27 May 2023, the free exhibition will run until Saturday, 28 January 2024, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts and others to immerse themselves in a captivating display.
The exhibition will showcase a diverse selection of beloved artworks handpicked by various community groups, organizations, and individuals who have collaborated with The Higgins Bedford during its illustrious ten-year journey.
Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton (Conservative), said, “It’s fantastic to be celebrating ten years of The Higgins Bedford and highlight some of the favourite artworks of people that have worked with the team over the last decade.
“We are really lucky to have such a place in Bedford Borough for residents, schools, and visitors to visit and enjoy, I’m very much hoping to attend a tour myself.”
Attendees will also be treated to a rich assortment of both renowned masterpieces and seldom-seen gems, creating a vibrant and engaging spectacle of paintings and prints.
To commemorate the momentous ten-year milestone, two exclusive free tours will be available on Wednesday, 21 June precisely a decade since The Higgins Bedford first opened its doors to the public.
Due to limited availability, interested people are advised to book their slots in advance to ensure their participation.
The first tour, led by Victoria, the Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, will take place from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, inviting visitors to explore the most captivating aspects of the community exhibition housed in the Wixamtree Gallery.
Meanwhile, the second tour, guided by Lydia, the Keeper of Social History, will commence from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, offering a fascinating journey through the Richard Wildman collection of local scenes in the Connections Gallery.
Spanning two distinct galleries within The Higgins Bedford, the ‘We Are Ten’ exhibition promises a mesmerizing experience for all attendees.
In the first gallery, visitors will have the opportunity to view the personally chosen artworks of Richard Wildman and his brother Stephen.
Richard, a revered local historian and guardian of the town’s architectural treasures, bequeathed a significant portion of his picture collection to The Higgins Bedford following his passing in 2018.
Stephen generously supplemented the donation with additional works from his own collection. Visitors will also find heartfelt written reminiscences accompanying the artwork, offering a unique glimpse into the life and impact of Richard Wildman as remembered by those who knew him best.
The second gallery will feature a diverse array of artwork selected by individuals who have collaborated with The Higgins Bedford. These participants were invited to choose any piece that resonated with them personally and explain their selection in their own words.
This inspiring collection demonstrates the profound influence of art in evoking emotions, sparking memories, and inspiring creativity.
The works on display include creations by renowned artists such as Chagall, Turner, Rossetti, Hockney, Burra, Rego, Stannard, Blake, and Bawden, offering a delightful blend of artistic styles and expressions.
In 2013, The Higgins Bedford unveiled its doors to the public, following an extensive refurbishment that united the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum, creating a cultural landmark that has since captivated visitors from near and far.
To secure a spot on one of the captivating tours and access further details about the exhibition, thehigginsbedford.org.uk.
