Local Events / News
Swindon Museum of ART
John Piper in the South Country
04 Jul 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
This major exhibition highlights how John Piper (1903-92) responded to the landscape and architecture of the south country of Wiltshire and Dorset. Curated by Andrew Lambirth, ‘John Piper in the South Country’ launched at Wiltshire Museum in March 2026 and is on tour to Museum & Art Swindon as part of the Arts Council England funded Wessex Museums Partnership programme.
Piper is a widely popular artist, but there has been no previous exhibition of the work he did in the south and south-west of England. Yet he made some of his most significant paintings of subjects from this area, including Stourhead, Fonthill and Lacock, and one of his finest early collages is of the neolithic site at Avebury. The exhibition includes examples of all these, plus a number of the churches in the locality, from Inglesham to Knowlton and Britwell Salome. Piper also painted different aspects of Salisbury Plain: a view of a neolithic barrow, the land under plough in the Second World War, and the great monument of Stonehenge. Other subjects include a street corner in Lydiard Park, Cerne Abbas and several studies of the Isle of Portland.
While these images map Piper's love of Wiltshire
If you know of other events please let us know BY EMAILING wantageart@gmail.com
Howbery Park competition
is inviting entries for the 2026 ‘Art in the Park’ competition on the theme of ‘Gardens for a changing climate’. Participants are being asked to interpret how the effect of climate change will impact our gardens and how they will evolve and adapt. Prizes are on offer for the best 2D artwork in different age categories.
First prize in the over-18s category is £500 while two highly commended entries will receive a £250 prize each. Over-18s’ artwork can be up to A3 in size and must initially be submitted online as a photo. The junior category (ages 4-18) invites artists to submit their artwork on a postcard. Further details are on our website.
The deadline for entries is 20 August 2026. If shortlisted, over-18s artists will be invited to bring in their physical artwork for judging.
An exhibition of the artworks from all age categories will be held at the Manor House at Howbery Park on 7-9 October. Winners will be announced on 6 October 2026.
Participants in the competition are free to interpret ‘Gardens for a changing climate’ as they wish, but are encouraged to visit our grounds for inspiration, in particular, the Flood Resilient Garden, which showcases planting and landscaping to create an outside space that can respond and adapt to the challenges of heavy rain and surface water flooding.
Climate change is expected to cause more intense and more frequent rainfall in coming years, as well as more severe dry spells. Resilient gardens can help reduce the risk of flooding, and make it easier for gardens to bounce back if flooded. Hard elements such as tanks, ponds, as well as dense planting can slow and store rainwater. Certain plants’ root structures can keep hold of the soil and stop it moving in a flooding event. Tree roots also soak up rainwater and store it in the ground, as well as their leaves reducing the amount of rain reaching the ground in the first place. Storage is also important so that water is available to use in the garden during dry weather.
Full details, and terms and conditions are on the Howbery park website: www.howberypark.com/art
MATISSE PAPER-CUT COLLAGE WORKSHOP With Martin Beek
Sat 14 Nov 2026, 10.30am–4pm At the Ashmolean Museum
One-day practical session in the Ashmolean Learning Studio
Tickets are £135 each. Booking is essential.
Tickets will be available to book soon
With artist & art historian Martin Beek
This workshop is inspired by the Aphrodite exhibition. The focus will be on representing the human body inspired by the techniques developed by Henri Matisse towards he end of his life.
The day will begin with a short presentation about Matisse's reimagining of the human figure and his working practices and how you might develop artworks on this exciting theme.
You'll create cut-out collages that are inspired by the the Museum's rich collection of classical sculptures and casts, and a life model, using paper cut-out collage.
Participants will have the chance to learn from Kieran Stiles and produce their own collages.
All materials will be provided.
This event is part of our Love & Legacy season of events.
BOOKING
One-day practical session in the Ashmolean Learning Studio
Tickets are £135 for the one-day workshop
Tickets will be available to book soon
If you have any questions, please email us at publicprogrammes@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
WATERCOLOUR PAINTING FOR ADULTS
Multiple dates and times.
ADULT WATERCOLOUR INFO - LATE SESSION 6PM-8PM
£20 per attendee *Teens from age 14 upwards welcome
painting sessions are designed to provide a relaxed environment for you to explore your creativity. I want these sessions to be calm and allow you the freedom to find your artistic flow with some guidance, tips, and optional demos during the session. You don’t need to bring anything with you. All materials are supplied.
There will be FREE tea and coffee available for this session and water for the children. Feel free to bring drinks and snacks for hungry little ones.
Share stories, laughter, your creativity with other lovely peeps in a relaxes and friendly atmosphere. Bring back the community!
LOCATION
Cantorist House, 1 Church Row, Childrey, Wantage, OX12 9UR
Members are welcome to submit their own art news and events for a chance to be featured on this page. Share your creativity with the community! Email requests to Wantageart@gmail.com
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