April to October 2019

© Charlotte Voake

CONTENTS WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S Exhibition and Events - Round and Round the Garden 4 Exhibition and Events - The Journey from Bunyan to the Brickworks 8 Exhibition and Events - Edward Bawden: Home and Abroad 11 Exhibitions Coming Soon 12 Events 13 Reminiscence Sessions and Wellbeing Programme 14 Events For Families 16 Events For Young People 19 School Visits 20 Bringing A Group 21 The Friends of The Higgins Bedford 22 Volunteering at The Higgins Bedford 23 Venue Hire 24 Access 28 Events Calendar 30 Contact Us and How To Find Us 32

2 The Higgins Bedford

About the Higgins Bedford The Higgins Bedford is a Bedford Borough Council cultural service that celebrates the inspiring stories of local people, encourages a sense of place for Bedford and the surrounding area, and showcases outstanding and varied collections. Displays in Settlement, Somewhere in England and the Collectors Galleries explore how Bedford has developed over time and the town’s relationship with the wider world, while Great Bedfordians features the stories of famous and lesser-known Bedfordians both past and present. The Cecil Higgins Collection of fine and decorative arts includes world-class watercolour and print collections and unique groups of work by the designers William Burges and Edward Bawden. The watercolour collection includes works by British artists including J.M.W. Turner, BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S John Constable, Eric Ravilious and Henry Moore, whilst the print collection includes works by international artists including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and David Hockney. These collections inspire a busy programme of temporary exhibitions as well as our active learning and events programmes. The Higgins Bedford is housed in the historic buildings of Castle Brewery and the Higgins family home, along the riverside in the centre of town, on the site once occupied by Bedford Castle.

3 The Higgins Bedford EXHIBITIONS Round and Round the Garden: A Celebration of Horticulture in Art #BedfordLovesGardening 6 April 2019 to 29 September 2019 Wixamtree Gallery – Free Entry WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S

This exhibition celebrates our human fascination with gardens. For the Pre-Raphaelite artist, John Everett Millais, gardens were settings for tragic love stories, Sickert brought the garden inside for his still lives and Joan Eardley braved the weather to paint Scottish wild flowers. Many different ideas of gardens are explored using works by major artists from the internationally renowned Cecil Higgins Collection. The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with Christiana Payne, Professor of History of Art at Oxford Brookes University.

4 The Higgins Bedford

The Wynding Wixam Tree Enjoy exploring this sculptural piece by puppet maker and storyteller, Andy Lawrence, from Theatre of Widdershins. You’ll find objects in burrows, nests and hanging from branches. Look closely... each object corresponds to a painted object somewhere in the exhibition!

#BedfordLovesGardening Join us in this celebration of gardens by sending us a photograph of a garden you love. We’ll be displaying the photographs at the entrance to the exhibition and on our Facebook page and Instagram.

Send your photos to [email protected] BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S or to our Bedford Loves Gardens Facebook Group. http://bit.ly/bedfordlovesgardening

Garden Tours Transforming the gardens at The Higgins Bedford Free event, booking essential. Each tour lasts about an hour. Join the garden volunteers on a tour of the Castle Gardens and find out more about their project to rejuvenate the gardens. Donations are welcomed to support the work. Tuesday 9 April, Wednesday 15 May, Saturday 1 June, Wednesday 3 July, Thursday 25 July, Saturday 7 September at 11.15am and Sunday 18 August at 2.15pm. Supported by SDC Community Fund.

5 The Higgins Bedford ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN EVENTS

Plant Sale Saturday 1 June 11am to 3pm Support the garden volunteers and help to raise funds to improve the Castle gardens. If you have plants that you would like to donate contact [email protected]

British Sign Language Exhibition Tour and Workshop with Access Bedford WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S Saturday 6 April 11am to 1pm Free event, booking essential Join Peter from Access Bedford for this Deaf BSL tour of the exhibition, followed by an art workshop. This is a British Sign Language only event – no oral instruction will be given. To book your place please email [email protected]

Lunchtime Lecture with Twigs Way – Art and the Suburban Garden Wednesday 22 May 12 noon to 1pm £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – booking essential Twigs is a lecturer, researcher and writer, who loves exploring the quirkier aspects of garden history. This talk looks at paintings that reveal changing aspirations within the garden, and the rise of the suburban artist.

6 The Higgins Bedford

Lunchtime Lecture with Professor Christiana Payne – ‘Round and Round the Garden’ Thursday 19 June 12 noon to 1pm Free event, booking essential Join exhibition curator, Christiana Payne Professor of History of Art at Oxford Brookes University for this lunchtime lecture. Sponsored by Oxford Brookes University.

Your Garden Questions Answered with Jane Perrone, Kathy and Simon Brown Sunday 30 June 2:30 to 3:30pm Free event Bring your gardening questions to this informal

gardener’s question time BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S with local experts Jane Perrone and Kathy and Simon Brown.

Lunchtime Lecture Edward Bawden – Art and Gardening Thursday 4 July 12noon to 12.30pm £3.00, £2.50 for concessions – booking essential Join Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, Victoria Partridge, for a look at some of Edward Bawden’s favourite gardens.

Evening Friends Lecture with Todd Longstaffe-Gowan Tuesday 3 September 7.30pm Members £4 non Members £9 Todd Longstaffe-Gowan is a landscape architect, historian, author and collector who will discuss some of the dramatic landscape improvements which have happened at Hampton Court Palace.

7 The Higgins Bedford EXHIBITIONS

Raffaele Preziosa of Avellino, Italy, removing bricks from the kiln at London Brick Company, Stewartby, 1952 © The Mutual Security Agency The Journey from Bunyan to the Brickworks 6 April 2019 to 29 September 2019 Connections Gallery – Free Entry This exhibition explores the journey of pride, inspiration and hope made by Bunyan who was imprisoned for his WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S beliefs, alongside the difficult journeys to Bedford made by those who came to work at the brickworks after the Second World War. Many people found inspiration in the life story and writing of John Bunyan. Whilst imprisoned for his beliefs, he wrote his most famous work, The Pilgrim’s Progress, charting a journey from despair to hope through faith. This story is mirrored in the stories of the people that travelled to Bedford in the wake of the Second World War to work at the brickworks. Fleeing poverty, unemployment and persecution before coming to Bedford and facing challenging conditions at the brickworks; many made new lives in Bedford. The exhibition is a collaborative Heritage Lottery funded project between John Bunyan Museum and The Bedford Chronicles. Previously exhibited at John Bunyan Museum during 2017.

8 The Higgins Bedford

John Bunyan, Bedford and Beyond by John Pestell Tuesday 7 May 12 noon £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – Booking essential John Pestell, author of Travel with John Bunyan, outlines the life and times of John Bunyan.

Pride, Inspiration, Hope: Bedfordshire Brickworks Day Saturday 25 May 11am to 4pm – Free Event Enjoy a day of music, talks, activities and sharing memories of all things brickworks. There will be folk songs and stories with performances from local musicians, Invisible Folk. Participate in the panel discussion, share your memories and build our wall of inspiration.

From Open Fields to Fletton Bricks: a history of landscapes in Bedfordshire from John Bunyan to BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S Sir Malcolm Stewart by Brian Kerr Sunday 26 May 2pm – Free Event Two historical figures bookend this period of change in the Bedfordshire landscape. Bunyan used the topography of Bedfordshire to inform his writing and Stewart gave his name to Stewartby, the town built for the workers at London Brick.

Rise and Fall of the Bedfordshire Brickworks by Richard Manning Wednesday 12 June 2pm £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – Booking essential Richard Manning, who worked at London Brick Company for over 40 years and was managing director until 1995 shares his memories of the brickmaking industries in Bedford.

9 The Higgins Bedford EXHIBITIONS WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S

Fuelling the brick kilns, London Brick Company, Stewartby, 1952 © The Mutual Security Agency

Brickmaking in Bedfordshire Thursday 18 July 2.30pm £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – Booking essential Alan Cox, author of Brickmaking: A History and Gazeteer (Survey of Bedfordshire) will talk about the development of brickmaking in Bedfordshire.

It’s A Hole, A Big Big Hole - The Extraction Industry and the Bedfordshire Landscape by Brian Kerr Wednesday 18 September 2pm £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – Booking essential The Bedfordshire geology has provided resources for extraction industries over a long period. This talk looks at how these industries have influenced Bedfordshire’s development.

10 The Higgins Bedford

Edward Bawden in Portugal —Castelo Branco 1962 ©The Edward Bawden Estate

Edward Bawden: Home and Abroad Continues until 6 January 2020 Edward Bawden Gallery – Free Entry A keen observer of the world around him, the artist WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S Edward Bawden often chose subjects close to home, such as the villages, farmyards and churches of his native rural Essex or London’s monumental buildings, bridges and train stations. Yet Bawden was remarkably well travelled and his world extended far beyond England, to Africa, the Middle East, Canada and many parts of Europe. Home and Abroad presents the places that feature in Bawden’s work and explores how his surroundings have shaped and influenced his art.

Edward Bawden: Home and Abroad Gallery Tour Wednesday 5th June 12pm – 12:30pm £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – Booking essential Join exhibition curator Victoria Partridge, for a lunchtime tour of Home and Abroad.

11 The Higgins Bedford EXHIBITIONS COMING SOON

The Good and Evil Angels Struggling for Possession of a Child c.1793 by William Blake Blunt Blades Opening 12 October 2019 – Free Entry In 2013 artist Arabel Rosillo de Blas received several crates of confiscated knives and weapons from Bedfordshire Police. This exhibition looks at how Arabel has transformed these weapons through photography, audio and artwork. Arabel has worked closely with Bedfordshire Police and local community groups to explore our human relationship with knives and the devastating effects of knife crime. WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT HAPPENING WHAT’S Dreams and Nightmares Wixamtree Gallery – Free Entry Opening 12 October 2019 This exhibition examines artist’s depictions of dreams and nightmares. The literary nightmares of Henry Moore’s Greek myths, the realities of The First World War depicted by Pablo Picasso, Kathe Kollwitz and Otto Dix, fairy paintings of the Victorian period, Richard Dadd’s visions from his Bethlem cell and the dreamlike qualities of the prints by Marc Chagall and Paul Gauguin. All will be explored in this new exhibition drawn from the internationally renowned Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection.

12 The Higgins Bedford

EVENTS AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD Cecil Higgins Anniversary Tours Thursday 25 July 11.30am & 2pm £5.90, £4.70 for concessions – Booking essential It is 70 years since the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection first opened to the public. Join our knowledgeable guides for a tour of the internationally renowned collection. Find out more about Bedford’s benefactor, Cecil Higgins, and the wonderful collection he gave to his town.

Portable Antiquities Scheme Wednesday 29 May, Wednesday 31 July, and Wednesday 25 September 1pm to 3pm Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or metal detecting? Would you like to find out more about them? Matt Fittock our Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme can help. There is no need to book, just drop in. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a nationwide service run by the British Museum. To find out more visit the websitewww.finds.org.uk WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT HAPPENING WHAT’S

Refugee Week 17 to 23 June 2019 The Higgins Bedford is working on a programme of events for Refugee Week alongside partner organisations including BRASS, Friends For Refugees, The Place Theatre, BCA, Arise In Bloom and more. We’ll be publishing a programme of events soon, check the website for more details.

13 The Higgins Bedford

Algerino De Eso and Alfredo Minggei, recruited from Italy and working for London Brick Company, Stewartby, 1952 courtesy of The Mutual Security agency. Reminiscence Sessions Second Thursday every month 11am to 12.30pm Join our friendly, informal monthly reminiscence sessions. It’s a great way to meet new people and be inspired by memories and stories of the past. 11 April - Round and Round the Garden 9 May - Bunyan to the Brickworks 13 June - A trip back to the 1950s 12 September - ‘Break a Leg…’ 10 October - Dreams and Nightmares

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT HAPPENING WHAT’S RAE Bedford and Concorde Fifty years ago on the 9 April 1969 British prototype Concorde 002 took to the air for the first time. This flight was the culmination of many years Model of Concorde ready for testing in the RAE 8x8 supersonic wind tunnel research for the Concorde project. The Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Bedford was a major contributor to this research through its world-class wind tunnels near Milton Ernest and its airfield at Thurleigh. This display by the Bedford Aeronautical Heritage Group illustrates the evolution of Concorde’s design as a result of research at RAE Bedford.

14 The Higgins Bedford

Wellbeing at The Higgins Bedford Museum = Happy Did you know that just visiting the museum can increase your sense of wellbeing? Museum really does equal happy . On this page you’ll find a summary of the wellbeing activities at the museum. Find out more on the wellbeing page. http://bit.ly/HigginsWellbeing

Tibbs Dementia Art Activitea: Brushstrokes Art Exhibition 1 April to 30 September 2019 – Outside Settlement Gallery This artwork was created by stroke survivors and their carers, and is based on the concept of recovery. The work conveys the individual nature of experiencing a stroke alongside the importance of support and togetherness. Brushstrokes and Tibbs Art Activitea art groups meet weekly at The Higgins Bedford. The Activitea group has inspired those living with dementia and their carers to create a variety of pieces, from a Bedford river scene triptych to colourful clay bowls and exotic face masks. Supported by The Stroke Association, the NHS and Tibbs Dementia Foundation. WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT HAPPENING WHAT’S More Wellbeing Activities

Activity When? Cost? Need to Book? Yoga Mondays £5 Email juandhannigan@ 10.30 am – 11.30am yahoo.co.uk 7 January – 15 April or call 07551 290364 6 May – 15 July 5, 12, 19 August. Table Tennis Every Monday 2pm £2 Just turn up. – 3pm (except bank holidays) Steady & Tuesdays £3 Just turn up. social Tai Chi 10am – 11am Places limited to 26. Check website/ Facebook for dates. Mindful Every Friday 11am – Free Just turn up. Walking 12pm

15 The Higgins Bedford EVENTS FOR FAMILIES EASTER HOLIDAY Creatures in the Garden Thursday 18 April £3 Creative art and craft Birds and Butterflies activities inspired by our Create your own set current exhibition Round of wings and let your and Round the Garden. imagination soar. Workshops start at 11am, 12:30 and 2pm Tuesday 9 April £5 MAY HALF TERM Creepy Crawly Clay We are celebrating Make clay models with National Children’s local artist Victoria Gardening Week during Houghton. these creative family workshops, starting at Wednesday 10 April £3 11am and 2pm. Bug Hotels

WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S Build and decorate a Tuesday 28 May £3 cosy home for garden Cress Craft bugs to live in. Decorate a wooden house and garden, then plant and Thursday 11 April £5 grow your own mini salad. Garden Mosaics with Qemamu Mosaics Wednesday 29 May £3 Garden Caddy Tuesday 16 April £5 Assemble and decorate Clay Creatures a little wooden caddy Make clay models with for carrying hand tools local artist Victoria and small plants around Houghton. the garden. Wednesday 17 April £3 Friday 31 May £3 Pebble Pals Herb Planters Paint rocks to hide and Make and decorate a seek in the garden. self-watering planter.

16 The Higgins Bedford

GARDEN EVENTS FOR FAMILIES Round and Round the Garden Family Afternoon Sunday 23 June 2 to 5pm – Free Event Join us for an afternoon of gardening related activities including a seed bomb workshop with Jane Perrone.

You'll find garden themed events during the school holidays at Bromham, Kempston, Wootton and Bedford Central Libraries. All of the events are free and there is no need to book. At Putnoe library you can enjoy the garden trail. Visit http://bit.ly/libraryfamilyevents

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 2019 22 July to 3 September 2019 Enjoy activities every Wednesday and Friday throughout WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S the Summer Holiday.

Wednesdays – Stories from the Wynding Wixam Tree Creative craft activities for families, followed by storytelling in the gallery with Theatre of Widdershins.

Fridays – Horrible Higgins Histories Travel through time with Kevin the Platypus, explore the collections and get creative in our horribly historical family workshops.

Check our facebook page and website for more details of all of the holiday activities, including prices and how to book.

17 The Higgins Bedford

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Who is Bedford? 11 May – Shows at 11am, 1pm & 3pm Free! Just turn up. 30 minutes. Suitable for all ages Join Full House Theatre for a free interactive performance, exploring the heritage of Bedford and the people who live here. Who is Bedford? is a celebration of everything that makes Bedford the vibrant town it is today, with stories from the children who go to school here, as well as their parents, grandparents and friends. The show will combine WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S interactive audio technology with artefacts from The Higgins Bedford. Come and explore with us, have fun, and learn something new about our town. To find out more go to www.fullhouse.org.uk

Pop-Up Museum – School Days Deaf Awareness Week at The Higgins Bedford #DAW19 10 and 11 May 11am to 4pm – Free Event Are you part of the Deaf community? What are your memories of school days? Come and share your stories, photographs and memories at our pop-up museum. Find out what Deaf schools were like in the past. What was it like without social media? What was a Deaf club like? What was education like in the past and what equipment did people use?

18 The Higgins Bedford

YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD Creative workshops, inspired by our exhibitions, for 12 to 16 year olds. All workshops start at 12:30, last an hour and costs £3 per person* Tuesday 28 May – House and Garden Create a mini-house and garden and plant your own salad. Wednesday 29 May – Handy Caddy Create a garden caddy, handy for garden tools or art stuff. Friday 31 May – Planter People Upcycle a plastic bottle and create a cute planter.

*Check our website or Facebook page for more details. BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S

Higgins Young People's Panel HYPP gets young people involved, voicing their opinions and gaining hands on experience delivering cultural and heritage activities. As a member of HYPP you could: •Develop activities for different audiences •Meet with other young people •Work with arts and heritage professionals •Gain unique experience which can be included in portfolios, CVs and UCAS forms. For more information check our website.

19 The Higgins Bedford SCHOOL GROUPS

School groups are welcome to visit The Higgins during opening hours. Enrich your visit with engaging workshops that cover a range of topics and reflect the strengths of the collections. WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S

Make your school visit memorable by taking part in hands-on activities, investigating artefacts and exploring the galleries. Short talks on collections and exhibitions can be arranged for groups of older students. Please book in advance by contacting [email protected] The Higgins Bedford is a Culture Challenge Provider and Arts Award Supporter. More information about our learning programme can be found on our website, or contact [email protected]

20 The Higgins Bedford

Bringing A Group Discover the history of our outstanding collections, stop for lunch at our onsite café, pick up gifts from the shop and enjoy the surrounding attractions in Bedford’s Cultural Quarter.

The Higgins Tour This introductory tour includes collections relating to the history of Bedford as well fine and decorative arts. Time: 1 hour Cost: £5.90, £4.70 for concessions

Fine and Decorative Art Tour Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection includes furniture by William Burges, linocuts by Edward Bawden and porcelain. Time: 1 hour Cost: £5.90, £4.70 for concessions

Edward Bawden Exhibition Tour Enjoy a tour of the current Edward Bawden exhibition. Time: 30 mins Cost: £3.00, £2.50 for concessions WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S

Edward Bawden Archive Sessions Take a close look at the Edward Bawden collection. Time: 1½ hours Cost: £11.50, £9.20 for concessions

Collections in Focus These sessions focus on particular areas of the collections, with a talk and the chance to view and sometimes handle objects not usually on public display. Available Sessions: Watercolours & Prints, Airships, Local Archaeology and The Collectors Time: 1½ hours Cost: £11.50, £9.20 for concessions

If your group is interested in booking, please call us on 01234 718618 or email us at [email protected] Please allow a minimum of four weeks notice for group bookings. Talks and tours are subject to availability with a minimum of ten people per tour and are available during opening hours.

21 The Higgins Bedford JOIN THE FRIENDS

Friends of The Higgins Bedford play an important part in the life of the art gallery and museum, and members enjoy a range of benefits. Joining the Friends will put you at the heart of The Higgins Bedford and will help support our work. Find out more at www.bit.ly/FriendsofTheHigginsBedford. You can find the Friends on Facebook www.bit.ly/HigginsFriendsonFacebook.

Friends Lectures Lectures start at 7.30pm at The Higgins Bedford Members £4, Non-Members £9 Tuesday 2 April JOIN US AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS AT US JOIN Felicity Irons – Rushwork Felicity will tell us about the history of rushmaking, explain how she harvests rushes from local rivers from her punt and show us how matting is made. Tuesday 7 May David Fowler – The Pyghtle Works and Sir Albert Richardson Local historian David Fowler will discuss the part the Pyghtle Works played in making Bedford a centre for the production of architect designed cabinetry and metalware. Followed by AGM. Tuesday 3 September Dr Todd Longstaffe-Gowan – Hampton Court Gardens Tuesday 10 September Dr David Boyd Haycock – Augustus John Tuesday 24 September Bob Hook – The Swift Tuesday 15 October Anne Dawes – Regency, Jane Austen and Dance Tuesday 29 October Barry Venning – Artists’ Feuds

22 The Higgins Bedford

VOLUNTEERING AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD

Volunteering at The Higgins Bedford Ever wondered about the many benefits of volunteering?

Why not join the growing team of friendly volunteers BEDFORDTHE HIGGINS AT US JOIN at The Higgins Bedford, which offers an excellent volunteering experience in a range of different roles and in a beautiful cultural space. Whether you are working, studying, retired or unemployed, there is a role to suit people of all ages, backgrounds and interests, be it welcoming new visitors to the museum, helping out at events, or with research, promotion, administration and community engagement. Volunteers mean that we can reach more people, enhance the visitor experience and deliver more activities and events. In return for your time, as a volunteer you will make new friends, connect more with your community, learn new skills and gain valuable experience. Volunteers receive full induction and training, a regular monthly newsletter and the opportunity of an annual visit to another museum. In addition volunteers can join the Friends of The Higgins Bedford at a reduced rate, and are entitled to a discount in The Higgins Pantry (up to 6pm) and on most items in the museum shop.

23 The Higgins Bedford

VENUE HIRE The Higgins Bedford is an exciting, unique and accessible venue for functions, conferences, workshops and events. The Higgins Bedford has several flexible spaces and an attractive central location close to the Town Centre and Bedford's beautiful Embankment. All of the rooms are available Tuesday to Sunday during working hours. Castle Room The Castle Room is a perfect venue for lectures, talks, conferences and larger meetings. It has a PA system and Wi-Fi. With a lecture-style layout, its capacity is 100 people. Garden Room A perfect room for smaller meetings, talks or workshops. JOIN US AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT JOIN US This room boasts beautiful views of Castle Gardens and has Wi-Fi. With a horse-shoe meeting room layout this room has capacity for 20 people. Bailey Room With some original brewery features and a friendly feel this room has capacity for 10 people. Barbican Studio An excellent creative space ideal for drawing, painting and print workshops. This room has Wi-Fi and capacity for up to 40 people. Harpur Studio A creative studio space ideal for workshops, meetings and talks. This room has Wi-Fi and capacity for 25 people in a workshop style layout.

If you would like to hire spaces talk to us at [email protected] or on 01234 718618.

24

Restaurant • Light Lunch • Café • Live Music Opening hours: W eds - Sat 11am til 10pm | Tues & Sunday 11am - 5pm

The Higgins Pantry, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD Tel: 01234 276340 www.thehigginspantry.co.uk email: [email protected] TheHigginsPantry @the_pantry

The Higgins Bedford

Box Office 01234 718044 | www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk WEDDINGS Shop AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD Weddings at Bedford Corn Exchange

Our shop has a range of products inspired by the Bedford Corn Exchange collections, exhibitions and events at The Higgins provides a beautiful wedding Bedford. We stock cards, postcards, books and gifts reception venue for your WHAT’S HERE AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT HERE WHAT’S as well as a bespoke range for exhibitions and a special occasion, with a growing number of cards and gifts sourced from local unique fusion of a historic makers. Our ranges include: Bawden, Exhibitions, setting and professional Collections, Bedford, Garden, Mini and Seasonal. services that will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests. The venue will exceed your EASTER OPENING TIMES expectations with the highest Good Friday quality food and services. Closed For more information, please Easter Saturday visit our website at www. Open 11am – 5pm bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Easter Sunday Open 2pm – 5pm For all venue hire enquiries, please call us on 01234 718044 Easter Monday or email [email protected] Open 2pm – 5pm 26 23 Box Office 01234 718044 | www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk WEDDINGS Weddings at Bedford Corn Exchange

Bedford Corn Exchange provides a beautiful wedding reception venue for your special occasion, with a unique fusion of a historic setting and professional services that will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests. The venue will exceed your expectations with the highest quality food and services.

For more information, please visit our website at www. bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

For all venue hire enquiries, please call us on 01234 718044 or email [email protected]

23 The Higgins Bedford ACCESS

To help you plan your visit you can find information about all our facilities and who to contact if you need to know more.

General Access The Higgins Bedford has step free access to all levels. There are three wheelchair-accessible toilets. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and assistance dogs are all very welcome in the museum. JOIN US AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDHIGGINS THE AT JOIN US

Disabled Parking There are four parking spaces at the entrance of the art gallery and museum for visitors with Accessible Parking Permits or Blue Badges. Find out more about the Blue Badge Scheme here www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads- and-travel/parking/disabled-people-parking-bays Find out more about parking when visiting Bedford here www.bedford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking

Wheelchair Users There are two adult wheelchairs available to borrow. Ask a member of staff at reception if you would like assistance. The galleries are spacious and well-lit with displays at different heights.

28 The Higgins Bedford

D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Visitors Our reception areas are equipped with induction loops, which correspond to the 'T' position on most hearing aids. There are also induction loops in our meeting rooms, activity rooms and in the Castle Room. A portable loop is available for use for talks, tours, school groups and special events. We are working with Access Bedford to make more of our events accessible – keep an eye on the website or Facebook page for news of upcoming BSL talks, tours and events.

Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors Large print captions for all of our exhibitions and displays are available throughout the building. JOIN US AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORDTHE HIGGINS AT US JOIN Families with Members with Autistic Spectrum Conditions We have been working with Autism Bedford on an Autism Friendly Guide to The Higgins Bedford. Pick up a copy at reception or download it from the website.

For Families and Young Children We have free hands-on activities for children and families in every gallery, including dressing-up, building and creative activities. There is a baby- change facility on the ground floor. This is separate to both the female and male toilets.

29 The Higgins Bedford EVENTS CALENDAR 2019 Date Event Need Cost Page to no. book? 2 April Friends Lecture: Felicity Irons - Rushwork No £4/£9 22 Round and Round the Garden British Sign 6 April Language Exhibition Tour and Workshop with Yes Free 6 Access Bedford 9 April The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 9 April Holiday Activities: Creepy Crawly Clay Yes £5 16 10 April Holiday Activities: Bug Hotels Yes £3 16 11 April Holiday Activities: Garden Mosaics Yes £5 16 Reminiscence Session – Round and Round the 11 April Garden No Free 14 16 April Holiday Activities: Clay Creatures Yes £5 16 17 April Holiday Activities: Pebble Pals Yes £3 16 18 April Holiday Activities: Birds and Butterflies Yes £3 16 John Pestell Talk: John Bunyan, Bedford and £5.90 7 May Beyond Yes (£4.70) 9 Friends Lecture: David Fowler - The Pyghtle Works, 7 May Baillie Scott & Sir Albert Richardson No £4/£9 22 9 May Reminiscence Session – Bunyan to the Brickworks No Free 14 10 and Deaf Awareness Week: Pop-Up Museum – 11 May School Days No Free 18

WHAT’S ON AT THE HIGGINS BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S 11 May Show: Who is Bedford? No Free 18 15 May The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 Lunchtime Lecture with Twigs Way – Art and the £5.90 22 May Suburban Garden Yes (£4.70) 6

Pride, Inspiration and Hope: Bedfordshire 25 May Brickworks Day No Free 9 Brian Kerr Talk: From Open Fields to Fletton Bricks: 26 May a history of landscapes in Bedfordshire from John Yes Free 9 Bunyan to Malcolm Stewart 28 May Holiday Activities: Chess Craft Yes £3 16 28 May Young People Art Workshops: House and Garden Yes £3 19 29 May Holiday Activities: Garden Caddy Yes £3 16 29 May Young People Art Workshops: Handy Caddy Yes £3 19 29 May Portable Antiquities Scheme No Free 13 31 May Holiday Activities: Herb Planters Yes £3 16 31 May Be Inspired, Get Creative: Planter People Yes £3 19 1 June The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 1 June The Higgins Plant Sale No Free 6 Edward Bawden: Home and Abroad Gallery Tour £5.90 5 June Yes (£4.70) 11 Richard Manning Talk: The Rise and Fall of the £5.90 12 June Bedfordshire Brickworks Yes (£4.70) 9 13 June Reminiscence Session – A trip back to the 1950s No Free 14

30 The Higgins Bedford

Event Need Date to Cost Page book? no. 17 June– Refugee Week Check 23 June website TBC 13 Lunchtime Lecture with Professor Christiana 19 June Payne – ‘Round and Round the Garden’ Yes Free 7 23 June Round and Round the Garden Family Afternoon No Free 17 Your Garden Questions Answered with Jane 30 June Perrone, Kathy and Simon Brown Yes Free 7 3 July The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 Lunchtime Lecture: Edward Bawden – Art and £3.00 4 July Gardening Yes (£2.50) 7 Alan Cox Talk: Brickmaking in Bedfordshire £5.90 18 July Yes (£4.70) 10 Holiday Activities: Round and Round the Story 24 July Garden Yes TBC 17 Cecil Higgins Anniversary Tours £5.90 25 July Yes (£4.70) 13 25 July The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 26 July Holiday Activities: Explore with Kevin the Platypus Yes TBC 17 Holiday Activities: Round and Round the Story 31 July Garden Yes TBC 17 31 July Portable Antiquities Scheme No Free 13 2 Aug. Holiday Activities: Explore with Kevin the Platypus Yes TBC 17 BEDFORD THE HIGGINS ON AT WHAT’S Holiday Activities: Round and Round the Story 7 Aug. Garden Yes TBC 17 9 Aug. Holiday Activities: Explore with Kevin the Platypus Yes TBC 17 Holiday Activities: Round and Round the Story 14 Aug. Garden Yes TBC 17 16 Aug. Holiday Activities: Explore with Kevin the Platypus Yes TBC 17 18 Aug. The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 Holiday Activities: Round and Round the Story 21 Aug. Garden Yes TBC 17 23 Aug. Holiday Activities: Explore with Kevin the Platypus Yes TBC 17 Holiday Activities: Round and Round the Story 28 Aug. Garden Yes TBC 17 30 Aug. Holiday Activities: Explore with Kevin the Platypus Yes TBC 17 Friends Lecture: Todd Longstaffe-Gowan – 3 Sept. Hampton Court Palace No £4/£9 7 7 Sept. The Higgins Garden Tour Yes Free 5 Friends Lecture: Dr David Boyd Haycock – 10 Sept. Augustus John No £4/£9 22 12 Sept. Reminiscence Session – ‘Break A Leg…’ No Free 14 Brian Kerr Talk: It’s A Hole, A Big Big Hole – 18 Sept. The Extraction Industry and the Bedfordshire Yes £5.90 10 Landscape (£4.70) 24 Sept. Friends Lecture: Bob Hook – The Swift No £4/£9 22 25 Sept. Portable Antiquities Scheme No Free 13 31 Entrance is free CONTACT US Donations are welcome Opening hours Visit the website at Tuesday to Saturday www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk 11am - 5pm Email [email protected] Sunday and Bank or call us on 01234 718618 Holiday Mondays 2 - 5pm Stay in touch... Closed on Mondays, On Facebook Good Friday, Christmas thehigginsbedford Day, Boxing Day and On Twitter New Year’s Day higginsbedford

To Lurke Street Car Park Mill Street

John Bunyan To Lurke Street Museum Car Park Church How to find us

e Mill Street

John Bunyan The Higgins Bedford

Entrance Museum (A6)

Church

Castle Lan Castle The Lawn Castle Lane, Bedford

s

staurant MK40 3XD

ad Ro Re wnham Castle e

Mound

High Street High Ne

Swan

Hotel Entrance B660 (A6) The Embankment

Castle Lan Castle The A4280 Lawn A421 s

staurant

ad Ro

Re Castle wnham

Mound

High Street High Ne

Swan Hotel The Embankment A6

A428

A421 A600 Parking The nearest public car park is at Lurke Street, just 5 minutes walk from The Higgins Bedford. Two hours free parking every Saturday in all Council–owned town centre car parks. Further information is available at www.bedford.gov.uk/parking. There are limited parking spaces at the entrance of The Higgins Bedford for visitors with Accessible Parking Permits or Blue Badges.

The Higgins Bedford is a Bedford Borough Council Cultural Service. Home of the Cecil Higgins Collection. CUL009_19 [email protected]