Colour and Light
Colour and Light
15 February – 2 November 2025
Colour and Light is a captivating new exhibition exploring the fascinating relationship between colour and light in art from the 18th century to the present day.
JMW Turner 'A First Rate Taking in Stores', 1818
The exhibition will showcase a dazzling array of works from The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, including iconic pieces by JMW Turner, John Singer Sargent, Sonia Delaunay, Peter Blake, and Chila Kumari Singh Burman.
Chila Kumari Singh Burman 'Cecil and Kali', 2003
A highlight of the exhibition will be the inclusion of Cecil and Kali, a vibrant work by Chila Kumari Singh Burman created during her residency at The Higgins in 2003. This unique piece incorporates her signature colourful "girly" accessories alongside objects from the museum's own education collection.
George Price Boyce 'At Binsey, Near Oxford', 1862
Colour and Light will also feature a specially commissioned artwork by Alison Goodyear, Light & Colour. This immersive digital experience, created in collaboration with four Bedford community groups, is inspired by the works in the exhibition. It will be presented as an animated film and in augmented reality, allowing visitors to engage with the exhibition in new and exciting ways.
Colour & Light Study Day
13 September, 11am-4pm
£20 Book Online
Join us for a day exploring the themes of Colour & Light with the exhibition’s curators. The day will start with a tour of the exhibition by Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, Victoria Partridge, followed by talks by Professor Christiana Payne on JMW Turner, Samuel Palmer and the painting of light. Dr Mary O’Neill will consider the impact of travelling towards southerneastern light on some of the artists in the exhibition. Artistproducer Dr Alison Goodyear will share her journey from working with paint to working with virtual reality painting software and hardware as well as her innovative approach to collaboration.
This relaxed and informal study day is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about the exhibition and some of the artists included.