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.
The Week of Words - dedicated to celebrating how words shape art, stories, community and connection - is set to launch at The Creative Place on Northampton Market Square and everyone is invited to participate. Beginning on National Writing Day, Thursday 19th June, The Creative Place will be issuing free creative writing packs, with prompts inspired by the Great Fire of Northampton, to get people writing. Designed originally for young people, they are now available to all and anyone can request a digital pack or collect a physical one. Once submitted, finished pieces may be included in Northampton Film Festival’s animated film about the Great Fire of Northampton, which will be screened on Northampton Market Square in September. The Creative Place (TCP), considered one of the world’s smallest arts centres, will host a number of other events during the Week of Words, including: Friday 20th June: A gathering of an array of local authors for a meet and greet with the public, including the Northants Authors collective 10am-12pm and author of the Grumpy Rosetta children’s books Juliet Timpson 1pm-5pm. Saturday 21st June: 1) A variety of free sessions on Reading, Writing and Performance designed for young people, including a session...
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.
Step back in time with Afternoon Tea at The Old Savoy Join us for a delightful afternoon filled with light entertainment, a delicious afternoon tea, and a captivating virtual history tour of The Old Savoy Theatre. For just £10 per person, your afternoon includes: – A selection of freshly prepared sandwiches – – Scones served with jam and cream – – A pot of tea – The experience begins at 12:30 PM, and we’re pleased to offer multiple dates: Thursday 19th June Thursday 31st July Thursday 21st August Thursday 25th September Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place for an afternoon of charm, nostalgia, and delicious treats.
THE ICE AGE IN THE ENGLISH MIDLANDS. Don Munn will pick up on recent developments in the understanding of the effect of the Quaternary glaciation ice age in the Midlands.
Being Creative When You Don’t Feel Like It: An Exploration of Mental Health and the Creative Process Join us for an engaging and compassionate event that explores the complex connection between mental health and creativity. When inspiration feels distant or motivation runs low, how can we continue to create meaningfully—and without self-judgment? This session will take a thoughtful look at the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany creative work. Through a blend of open discussion and practical tools, we’ll talk about the nature of creativity, understand how this relates to mental well-being, and learn how to use this understanding to find renewed energy for your craft, even on the tough days. As part of this experience, attendees will also participate in guided creative exercises designed to gently spark inspiration and reconnect you with your imagination. These low-pressure, supportive activities are accessible to all—whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply looking for a new way to express yourself. This event is ideal for creatives of all backgrounds—writers, visual artists, performers, and makers—who are looking for ways to stay connected to their practice while honouring their mental health. Julys host is Andrew Bond – Andrew has been a multi-disciplinary digital creative for over...
Get ready to roll up your sleevs and create your very own pasta while indulging in delcious Italian fare.