Wixamtree and Connections Gallery
Free Entry
Curated by writer and publisher Joe Pearson, this exhibition tells the story of publishing's unsung hero Noel Carrington (1895–1989). Schooled in Bedford with his sister Dora, Noel Carrington became one of the most influential figures in 20th century design. Through the Puffin Picture books and Country Life he commissioned, edited and published some of Britain's most loved children's picture books. He saw the genius in the artist Kathleen Hale, publishing books about Orlando the Marmalade Cat and championed emerging artists such as Hilary Stebbing. With Eric Ravilious, Edward Bawden and Mervyn Peake he commissioned books including ' High Street', 'Life in an English Village' and 'Captain Slaughterboard'. Showcasing beloved children's books, forgotten gems and original artwork this exhibition will take Noel Carrington out of the footnotes and into the spotlight.
Pantomime Stories, 1943 by Hilary Stebbing © Hilary Stebbing Estate
Stanny’s Stus: Images of Bedford Physical Training College
6 November 2025 - 31 May 2026
Sir William Harpur Gallery – Free Entry
‘Stanny’s Stus’ – A Glimpse into Women's Sporting and Social History.
In 1903, Margaret Stansfeld founded the Bedford Physical Training College, an all-female institution located on Lansdowne Road. Locally, its students and staff were affectionately known as ‘Stanny’s Stus.’ Many of them were enthusiastic photographers who captured their everyday experiences, documenting aspects of sport, leisure, and teaching in Bedfordshire.
These photographs offer valuable insights into the social and sporting lives of women in the early 20th century. Thanks to recent digitisation efforts, these historic images, part of the Bedford Physical Education Archive, are now being exhibited publicly for the first time outside of their home at the University of Bedfordshire.
The Harpur Trust Art Competition
An exhibition of Children's Work
20 June - 27 September 2026
Sir William Harpur Gallery - Free Entry
The Schools’ Art Competition funded by The Harpur Trust, featuring more than 100 pieces of artwork created by pupils from schools across the borough, will run throughout the summer. The children aged 4 to 18, will be creating their artwork during the Autumn and Spring terms at workshops from professional visiting artists in their schools, organised by The Trust. The theme for the 2026 exhibition is Aspire: Nurturing Potential, based on their aspirations, goals, dreams, hopes and what they want to be or do in life. This may be looking ahead to the year, before they go to secondary school, when they leave school, or even later in life.
Further information please see Art Competition - Harpur Trust.
Rhyme and Reason
11 July 2026 - February 2027
Wixamtree and Connections Gallery - Free Entry
Discover the influence of stories on artists in this new exhibition drawn from the internationally renowned Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection. Greek myths and Shakespearian stories, Arthurian legends and poetry will all be explored in the works of artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Paula Rego, Henry Moore, Ceri Richards and Henri Matisse.
A full colour catalogue by curators Professor Christiana Payne and Dr Mary O’Neill will be available from The Higgins Bedford shop.