Lit by constantly changing East Anglian skies, the rolling rural landscapes of Essex, sprinkled with rivers, have long been an inspiration to generations of artists. Most famous is John Constable whose rustic idylls are forever associated with the gentle Stour Valley north of Colchester.
Elsewhere, the pretty village of Great Bardfield sprang to fame in the mid-20th century when it became home for the eclectic group known as the ‘Great Bardfield artists’, while a wealth of contemporary talent continues to thrive in hotspots across the county from Harlow with its treasure trove of public sculptural art to seaside art in Wivenhoe and Leigh-on-Sea.
Why not come and see cultural Essex for yourself during a truly memorable stay at our 5 Star Essex lodges? The range of innovative display spaces - from rambling country houses and historic landmarks to striking contemporary galleries – are all between 15 minutes and an hour’s drive away.
Beecroft Art Gallery
Newly relocated to central Southend, the Beecroft houses an eclectic collection comprising some 2,000 works, from Old Masters and paintings by Constable and Rossetti to contemporary British works, plus a regular programme of exhibitions including the prestigious Essex Open.
Find out more: www.southendmuseums.co.uk
Constable Country
The bucolic scenes at Flatford have hardly changed since Constable painted them. Meander along the towpath from 16th-century Bridge Cottage, which houses an exhibition of his work, past Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s Cottage. Or set off on a lazy row through meadows grazed by silent cattle and drink in the scenery. Two signposted trails allow you to get the most out of your day or you can join an organized walk to find out more.
firstsite
Set in parkland sweeping down to Colchester’s Roman wall, this iconic golden-clad gallery features a changing programme of exhibitions by contemporary international artists as well as creative events and activities for the whole family, including films and workshops.
Find out more: firstsite.uk
Fry Art Gallery
This extensive collection focuses on the work of a group of artists, led by Edward Bawden, who settled in Great Bardfield from the 1930s to the 1980s. Significant present-day works are also on display, underlining the area's continuing artistic tradition.
Find out more: www.fryartgallery.org
Gallery in the Garden
Set in the Orangery in the beautiful 18th-century walled gardens at Saling Hall, the Gallery in the Garden showcases the work of upcoming contemporary British artists and craftsmen, together with regular exhibitions by well-known names.
Find out more: galleryinthegarden.co.uk
The Gibberd Connection
Sir Frederick Gibberd’s pioneering practice of placing art in the living environment can be found throughout Harlow, the town he designed in the 1950s, from the Sculpture Trail and his own highly individual garden, to the 20th-century watercolours housed in the Gibberd Gallery.
Find out more: www.gibberdgallery.co.uk
The Minories Galleries
Next door to firstsite, this beautiful listed Georgian building is home to Colchester School of Art’s public gallery and showcases a range of contemporary art. It also includes an excellent café surrounded by a walled garden.
Find out more: www.theminories.org.uk
The Munnings Art Museum
Best known for his equestrian portraits, Sir Alfred Munnings lived in this large country house for 40 years. Restored today, it contains a superb collection of his paintings, including many of the rural scenes he loved, together with loans of other artists’ works.
Find out more: www.munningsmuseum.org.uk
Naze Tower
Situated on the scenic Naze headland, this octagonal landmark, once a shipping beacon, is today a thriving art gallery, representing a unique marriage of history and contemporary art. The tower also includes a museum, tea rooms, and a rooftop platform, with panoramic views.
Find out more: www.nazetower.co.uk
Wivenhoe Artists Colony
Wivenhoe, with its quiet quayside, was an artists’ colony in the 1950s. Painter Francis Bacon and photographer John Deakin both made their homes here, while later names have included primitive painter Ernie Turner and James Dodds, famous for his linocuts.
The getaway not far away

Campion Lodge (left) and Woodbell Lodge (right), our luxury self-catering lodges
Why not soak up centuries of the county’s creative spirit and capture some memorable moments with a stay at our 5 Star Essex lodges? Situated in the breath-taking Colne Valley in their very own bucolic setting - only the birds and your bubbling hot tub will disturb the silence….
Published on Saturday 20th January 2018 by Linnie Clements
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