Celebrating a fantastic 2022

It has been an exciting year at The Higgins Bedford, with a variety of exhibitions, events and activities taking place.

This newsletter provides a look back at some of our highlights in 2022, which we hope you enjoy.

The Higgins team would like to thank you for your continued support, and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to welcoming you again in 2023 to the many new exhibitions and events we have planned!

Changing Times: A Century of Modern British Art

October saw the opening of The Higgins’ largest ever exhibition, ‘Changing Times,’ with almost 100 artworks taken from our own collection and the brilliant Ingram Collection. Some of Britain’s best known artists are featured in this varied collection of paintings, sculptures and works, such as Eric Ravilious, David Hockney and Elisabeth Frink. Father Christmas even stopped by for a visit, and spun the fabulous legs installation by Lucy Gregory. ‘Changing Times’ continues until April 2023, and is free to visit. Visit our website for more information about the exhibiton.

Body and Soul

The ‘Body and Soul’ exhibition between April and October explored a number of artists’ depictions of women throughout the last two centuries. The exhibition, drawn from our own Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, featured artworks depicting women in all forms – young and old, fleshy and ethereal, fashionably dressed and nude. ‘Woman with a brooch (Madonna)’ by Edvard Munch, 1903, Trustees of the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery.

Edward Bawden: Artist Plantsman

‘Artist Plantsman’ explored British artist Edward Bawden’s lifelong love of plants and gardens through his linocut work. This exhibition features Bawden’s early wallpaper designs, well-known prints, advertising campaigns and private commissions, all drawn from the Edward Bawden archive. Find out more information about the exhibition on our website.  ‘Autumn’ by Edward Bawden, 1960, from The Edward Bawden Estate.

Other Displays and Events in 2022

Texas Instruments to Bourns

Our Texas Instruments to Bourns display explores the story behind Bedford’s technological innovation industry over the last 75 years. We welcomed members of the Bourns family in November to celebrate this significant milestone.

The display is located outside the ‘Somewhere in England’ Gallery, and is open until June 2023. Find out more on our website. 

Archipelago: Take Part Queen’s Park

Between April and June this year, Bedford Creative Arts and The Higgins Bedford celebrated the vibrancy of Queen’s Park in Bedford through film, embroidery and claywork in our ‘Archipelago’ exhibition. The Take Part Queen’s Park project was a collaboration between artist Caroline Wendling and local residents, including Queen’s Park Academy, and allowed members of the community to present their stories through art and film for all of Bedford to enjoy.

Blunt Blades

Our ‘Blunt Blades’ display by Arabel Lebrusan has explored whether changing the form of knives into art can evoke a different reaction, through photography, drawings, sculpture and jewellery. Visitors can still enjoy the display, featuring a striking bowl made of re-worked knives and blades.

Visit our website to find out more.

High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Community Engagement Projects

This year The Higgins Bedford has partnered with a number of local organisations to deliver projects connected with the HSHAZ community fund by Historic England.

The first of these was the Invisible Folk Bedford High Street Tour, which took visitors on a journey down the high street with commentary, via an app.

Invisible Folk, a local community arts organisation, interviewed a number of community groups, individuals and organisations about their memories of the High Street, focussing on gathering a range of voices that reflected the diverse community of Bedford.

Further projects are in progress, including collecting memories and stories from residents at four Stonewater Housing facilities in and around Bedford, as well as exploring the lace heritage of the High Street with members of the Aragon lacemakers.

The Higgins looks forward to sharing these High Street Heritage stories in 2023.

Christmas Activities

Join us for creative fun and get ready to celebrate the New Year with noise-makers and pom-pom poppers. Drop in any time between 12 til 3pm Wednesday 28 December and Thursday 29 December. Activities are free and there is no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Christmas Opening Hours

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day: Closed

Tuesday 27 December (Bank Holiday): 2pm – 5pm

Wednesday 28 December: 11am – 5pm

Thursday 29 December: 11am – 5pm

Friday 30 December: 11am – 5pm

New Year’s Eve – Saturday 31 December: 11am – 3pm

New Year’s Day – Sunday 1 January: Closed

Monday 2 January (Bank Holiday): 2pm – 5pm

Normal opening hours from Tuesday 3 January 2023.