Changing Times: A Century of Modern British Art

15 October 2022 – 16 April 2023

Free Entry

Changing Times: A Century of Modern British Art brings together more than 90 works from the Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art and Higgins’ own collection, with paintings, works on paper and sculpture from some of the biggest names in British art. From The Higgins also come a dozen works on paper by major European artists.

Changing Times: A Century of Modern British Art will be the first large-scale exhibition since the reopening of The Higgins Bedford.

Eric Ravilious (1903 – 1942), Second-hand Furniture and Effects, 1938 © The Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art.

Still time to see Blunt Blades

Until 30 October 2022

The Higgins House – Free Entry

In 2013, artist Arabel Lebrusan received several crates of confiscated knives and weapons from Bedfordshire Police. Through photography, drawings, sculpture, jewellery and audio, this display curated by Arabel explores our complex relationship with knives, and whether the meaning of an object can be re-established and transformed to evoke different emotions.

The Higgins - Blunt Blades

© Arabel Lebrusan

October Half Term Activities for Families

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited places – book online or call the Box Office on 01234 718044.

Clay Votive

Tuesday 25^th October

Workshops start at 11:15, 12:45 and 2:15 and last about an hour. £3.05

Create and decorate a mosaic style tealight holder from clay. Just right for Diwali celebrations, Halloween fun or to light up dark autumn evenings. Suitable for children age 5+.

Seasonal Sun Catchers

Wednesday 26^th October – 11 until 3pm. Free Drop-in activity.

Decorate stained-glass effect sun catchers with a seasonal Halloween theme.

Glow in the Dark Treat Bag

Thursday 27^th October – workshops start at 11:15, 12:45 and 2:15 and last about an hour. £3.05

Get creative and decorate a treat bag that glows in the dark. Great for trick or treating or to collect autumnal treasures. Suitable for children age 5+.

Ancient Documents with Bedfordshire Archives

Friday 28^th October – Workshops start at 11:15, 12:45 and 14:15 and last about an hour. £3.05

Create your own historic document, treasure map, letter or poem and make it look ancient. Suitable for children age 5+.

Find out more about the workshops and how to book online on The Higgins Bedford website.

Upcoming Events

Sunday Crafternoons

23 October, 27 November, 18 December,

22 January, 26 February, 26 March

2pm – 4pm, Free Entry, No Need to Book

Creative activities for families to have a go at together and enjoy. Suitable for under 12s.

Please be aware that space is limited and there may be a wait to start.

Friends of The Higgins lectures

Tuesday 25 October 7.30pm at The Higgins, Nelson – The Making of a Hero by Peter Gutteridge. Free to members. Further information available here.

Edward Bawden – Artist Plantsman

This exhibition runs until 15 January with a tour on 2 November 12.30 – 1pm, £3.25 or £2.75 concessions. To book a place call the box office on 01234 718044 (Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm) or book online.