The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum

The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, Bedford is a Bedford Borough Council cultural service that showcases wonderful and varied collections of fine and decorative arts and changing exhibitions drawn from the nationally significant collection of British watercolours, drawings and prints. Displays of archaeology, social history and ethnography demonstrate how Bedfordshire has developed over time. These collections inspire a programme of temporary exhibitions, active learning and events.

1. tour the 1840s house built by the Higgins family next to their brewery. Uncover family stories and Cecil Higgins' collection of internationally important glass and ceramics

2. explore the biggest collection of painted furniture created by William Burges, the leading Gothic Revival architect and designer of the 1800s

3. admire the decorative artwork and techniques of the most influential designers including fine glassware, textiles, enamels and metalwork

4. study the Edward Bawden archive, the collection of one of the most influential artists of his generation.

5. uncover the geology of Bedfordshire and discover how people from the Stone Age to Medieval times lived in and shaped the landscape we see today

6. follow the development of the local area through agriculture, engineering and the brickworks, airships at Cardington, the Second World War and technological advances

7. enjoy displays about local people who have influenced the story of Bedfordshire

8. take a glimpse into the world of The Collectors and cases of natural history,
ethnographic and archaeological items.

FACT FILE

For the latest information about temporary exhibitions and events visit www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk