Constable's 250th anniversary set to be marked

The exhibitions will feature paintings on loan from a number of museums and collections

A town is set to host a set of exhibitions and events to mark the anniversary of one of the UK's most renowned painters.

Christchurch Mansion, in Ipswich, Suffolk, is set to host the events in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Constable.

The Constable 250 will showcase work by the artist, who was born in East Bergholt in 1776, featuring paintings on loan from a number of museums.

Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council's portfolio holder for planning and museums, said: "These once-in-a-lifetime loans will tell the story of our own Suffolk-born artist whose radical approach revolutionised landscape painting."

Constable, who died aged 60 in 1837, is best known for his depiction of the English countryside, particularly his native Suffolk.

He is best known for his 1821 oil painting The Hay Wain which became a sensation in the art world when it was exhibited at the Louvre in Paris in 1824.

Constable 250 will feature three exhibitions which will be led by Colchester and Ipswich Museums, which is jointly run by Colchester City Council and Ipswich Borough Council.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund, Arts Council England, and other key partners, are set to work alongside them.

The year-long programme of exhibitions and events will be showcased at Christchurch Mansion.

Christchurch Mansion will be the main exhibitor for the events taking place in 2026

The authority said the exhibitions would include work on loan from the Tate, National Galleries of Scotland, Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Academy and the Government Art Collection.

The showcase will feature three exhibitions - Constable: A Cast of Characters; Constable: Walking the Landscape; and Constable to Contemporary.

Ms Jones added: "We are very grateful to all the organisations supporting Constable 250 and partnering with us to make it possible."

Local workshops and artist-led sessions will be held for families and school across school holidays, the council added.