Constable's Essex links explored in exhibition

An exhibition of art by one of Britain's most celebrated painters hopes to offer a fresh perspective on his work, according to organisers.

John Constable: Celebrating 250 Years, at The Minories in Colchester, brings together a selection of works with links to the local area.

The artist, who was born 250 years ago, had close ties to north Essex and the Stour Valley, where he developed the landscapes that would define his career.

"Colchester has a strong connection to Constable," said Darius Laws, the city council's portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the environment.

"This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore that connection and see a different side to the country's greatest landscape painter," said Laws.

The artist frequently visited his second cousin, Jane Anne Mason, who lived in Colchester, and sketched the famous Roman walls numerous times.

She became godmother to his youngest child, Lionel, in 1828, and when her daughter Jane Anne Inglis showed an interest in art, she benefited from Constable's guidance and access to his art collection.

Constable (1776-1837) was born in East Bergholt, Suffolk and made many open-air sketches, using these as a basis for his large exhibition paintings.

His pictures are extremely popular today, but they were not particularly well received in England during his lifetime.

The Minories has a "small but significant selection" of his works, according to the exhibition organisers.

Emma Howe, the gallery's director, said: "We're delighted to be marking this milestone anniversary with an exhibition that draws on strong local connections and partnerships."

The free exhibition will run until 16 August.

Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich is also celebrating Constable this year, with three exhibitions.

One of the highlights of the exhibitions will be a loan of Constable's The Hay Wain, which will be making its first ever visit to the county it depicts.

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