Art

EXHIBITION AT THE EAGLE GALLERY BEDFORD: “THE COLOURS OF NATURE” SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

“The colours of Nature” is a vibrant and colourful exhibition bringing together three different art mediums of Glass by Sharon Korek, Contemporary painting by Rita Dare and Jewellery by Lesley Pollock in a celebration of nature in all its beautiful forms and colours. This show is hosted by the Eagle Gallery a unique cooperative artist led gallery. Our frequently changing exhibitions embrace a wide range of artistic styles and practices, showing painting, prints, photography, mixed media, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more. We also have up to eight solo or group one-week shows during the year. Open Monday-Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm St Peters St, Bedford MK40 2NN www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk/

NEW DISPLAY OPENS AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD: WARDEN ABBEY REVEALED SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 13TH – SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

Warden Abbey Revealed, a new archaeological display showcasing the grandeur of one of the most influential Cistercian houses in medieval England.

Warden Abbey was founded by Walter Espec in 1135, and populated by monks from Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. In its heyday, the abbey was home to over 100 monks. They were supported by about 300 lay brothers, who ran its farms, mills, warrens, woodlands, and urban properties across 7 counties and the City of London. The abbey prospered thanks to the wool trade, and the monks rebuilt their church in the early 14th century. Warden Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537, and the buildings were demolished, leaving nothing above ground.

This display highlights the research carried out by the Old Warden History & Heritage Society, which, set alongside the results of a geophysical survey by MOLA (Northampton), reveals new and exciting information about Warden Abbey. These have been combined by former English Heritage artist, Peter Dunn, to create a reconstruction painting showing how Warden Abbey may have looked c. 1370, after the east end of the church had been rebuilt.

The original painting will be on display alongside a selection of archaeological artefacts recovered from excavation at Warden Abbey, including architectural fragments, floor tiles, stained glass, and more. Warden Abbey Revealed will be on display until October 2022 and is free to visit.