EXHIBITIONS
The Harpur Trust Art Competition
An exhibition of Children's Work
20 June - 4 October 2026
Sir William Harpur Gallery - Free Entry
The Children's Art Competition will feature more than 100 pieces of artwork created by pupils from schools across Bedford Borough. The children aged 4 to 18 have created their artwork at workshops with professional artists visiting
their schools. 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. The competition and exhibition are delivered by The Harpur Trust and The Higgins Bedford.
Further information please see Art Competition - Harpur Trust.
Mobile Bar, Image courtesy of Wells and Co.
A Brewery in Bedford: Celebrating 150 Years of
Wells & Co.
1 July 2026 - 18 April 2027
Somewhere in England Foyer, First Floor - Free entry
Founded in 1876 by Charles Wells, the business began at Horne Lane Brewery, brewing beers and growing a thriving pub estate. In 2019, it moved to Brewpoint and rebranded as Wells & Co., marking an exciting new chapter. Find out more about their 150 year journey. Also see upcoming event reminiscence session on Thursday 16 July 11am - 12.30pm.
A Masque for The Yellow Book 1897 by Charles Edward Conder
Rhyme and Reason
25 September 2026 - February 2027
Wixamtree and Connections Gallery - Free Entry
Discover the influence of stories and poetry 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, Dr Mary O'Neill and Victoria Partridge will be available to buy in the shop.