From the Collection: Drawings

An exhibition of drawings from the Northampton Museums & Art Gallery collection. This exhibition explores drawing as a fundamental artistic language, presenting preparatory sketches and finished works that reveal how ideas take shape on paper. Through the delicate studies of Henry Moore, the atmospheric sketches of Walter Sickert, the imaginative designs of Sir Edward Burne Jones, and the expressive drawings of Clare Abbatt, amongst others, visitors are invited to consider drawing not merely as a preliminary step but as an art form in its own right. The works on display highlight how artists across different periods and practices use line, tone, and observation to experiment, problem solve, and refine their vision. Together, they celebrate drawing’s enduring role as a tool for exploration, invention, and creative thinking.

Semilong Blooms by Jack Savage is a photographic portrait series documenting some of the people behind the Semilong Garden Project, a grassroots community initiative established by Louise Troy. Louise formed a community constitution of committed volunteers to transform the derelict space. The space was originally filled with litter and graffiti tarnished the walls. The series highlights some of the residents, volunteers, and families who helped bring this project to life, transforming a neglected strip of Northampton into a thriving space for creativity, connection, and community. Each portrait celebrates the individuals whose collective effort turned overlooked land into a place of pride, joy, and shared ownership.

This Exhibition explores the similarities between fine art and comics and how they are produced. It will explain the process of how comics are created and examine the common elements from fine art; the drawing, the painting and the poetry. It will also exhibit a story of epic proportions without superheroes, just ordinary people.