Come and join us for our exciting Mini Makers children's craft or art activity at Northamptonshire Central Library! Children aged 11 and under and their carers are very welcome to join us for an afternoon of fun, crafts and arts! This is a drop-in session. There is a charge of £1 per child.
We are delighted to be hosting local, contemporary artist Sophie Slade once again in our Barwell Room and mezzanine level galleries. Sophie’s work lights up the town in terrific colour and form!
Get ready for a showcase of the most hilariously bad album art ever created! The Worst Record Covers in the World exhibition features collector Steve Goldman’s unique selection of over 500 unintentionally awful record sleeves. From bizarre design choices to laugh-out-loud concepts gone wrong, this exhibition celebrates creative risk and the joy of failure in art. Visitors can even listen to tracks from these records and vote for their favourite “worst” cover. Admission is free — come for the cringe, stay for the comedy!
Explore the history of gladiatorial fights in Britain. The events of the amphitheatre – its wild beasts and enslaved fighters – are one of the most enduring aspects of Roman culture that still capture the public imagination today. This touring exhibition brings together some of the country's most important objects to tell the story of Britain's entertainment venues and the people who died to the roar of the crowd. It will reveal the violence of the arena, and the importance of spectacle within Roman culture. Highlights include the Colchester Vase loaned by Colchester Museums, which records an actual battle between two real gladiators, and the Hawkedon Helmet, the only confirmed piece of gladiatorial armour from Roman Britain. These iconic loans will be supported by a selection of other items that reveal the popularity of gladiators throughout Roman society. This tour is in partnership with Colchester and Ipswich Museums and is inspired by the recent exhibition at Colchester Castle, Gladiators: A Day at the Roman Games which featured British Museum loans. It will explore Roman spectacle in the local region, following in the footsteps of the gladiators who fought in the amphitheatres of Britain.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Saturday 17 May - Sunday 28 June 2025 The exhibition F332 illustrates the work of 14 photographers who find themselves at a personal crossroads; as they move on to the next phase of their career they share with us an eclectic mix of photographs and projects that explore their unique experiences.
For centuries, landscape was considered an unworthy subject for serious artistic exploration. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Until Sunday 4 October When landscape did appear in paintings, it was often relegated to the background—merely a setting for religious or historical scenes. This perception began to shift in the 17th century with the work of Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain. These pioneering artists crafted idealised rural vistas to illustrate the myths of Ancient Greece and Rome, imbuing natural elements with metaphorical meaning. Through their romantic and structured visions of the countryside, landscape painting began to gain recognition as a meaningful art form. It was not until the 19th century, however, that landscape truly came into its own. Artists such as J.M.W. Turner and John Constable redefined the genre, capturing the drama, emotion, and grandeur of the natural world. Their work affirmed landscape as a powerful subject in its own right—one that continues to inspire artists to this day. Drawing from the museum collections, this exhibition explores the evolution of landscape painting, where nature takes centre stage.
Workshop hosted by SENDsational families Reflect, dream and create. Over 18s only
Come learn about Northampton's unique film industry and discover what makes our town so special in this hands-on workshop! We're producing a short animated/digital art film to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton, and we're inviting any Northampton resident to get involved. Doesn't matter whether you have any relevant experience or not. The project is supported by West Northamptonshire Council. Come along to this, the first meeting, and see what it's all about. The Creative Place is one of the new kiosks on the market square (with seats and heating!). The film will premiere in September 2025.
Live on stage Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, and brand new for 2025, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes to our theatre bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world! With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show! It’s pure fun for the whole family whether you’re a lover of the books or new to Tom and his friends! Two shows 12 noon and 3,30pm. Age 3+ Running time one hour no interval Produced by Mark Thompson Productions and directed by Miranda Larson.
Business Networking Brunch – Let's Talk Marketing! Join us for our second vibrant networking event, where great minds meet over coffee! Business Networking Brunch – Let's Talk Marketing! Join us for our second vibrant networking event, where great minds meet over coffee, cake, and conversation. Whether you're a start-up founder, freelancer, creative, or small business owner, this is your space to connect, collaborate, and grow. ? What to Expect Fresh coffee, delicious food, and homemade cake ? An inspiring guest speaker on tech and AI Open discussion: How do YOU market your business? Space to share ideas, swap contacts, and build relationships ? Why You Should Come Build your local network Gain insights into tech and AI Exchange tips and experiences in a relaxed setting Leave feeling motivated and supported in your business journey ? Special Guest Speaker: We'll be joined by a marketing expert sharing practical tools, stories, and fresh ideas to help you amplify your brand and reach the right audience.