Constable's World: 'A Cast of Characters' Exhibition at Ipswich's Christchurch Mansion

Get ready to step back in time and discover the untold stories behind one of Britain's most celebrated landscape artists, John Constable, as Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich proudly presents its brand new exhibition: Constable: A Cast of Characters. Running from 28th March to 14th June 2026, this promises to be an unmissable event as part of the 250-year celebrations of Constable's birth by Colchester + Ipswich Museums.

We all know Constable's name is synonymous with the stunning landscapes of Suffolk and Essex. But have you ever wondered about the people who shaped his extraordinary journey from a merchant's son to an artistic legend? This exhibition delves deep into the lives of the family, early supporters, friends, and patrons who recognised his talent and helped turn our region into 'Constable Country'.

With over 100 remarkable works and objects, you'll see not just Constable’s own portraits, sketches, and landscapes, but also pieces by other artists. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore the personal networks and working methods that influenced his long and illustrious career. You'll even find important personal items on display, such as his wife's wedding ring and his very own wooden paint box – imagine the stories those brushes could tell!

One of the most unique aspects of 'Constable: A Cast of Characters' is the chance to immerse yourself in Regency Ipswich. Through photographic re-enactments, period fashion, costumes, uniforms, and evocative recreations of the Constable family parlour, complete with letters, you'll truly feel like you've stepped into the artist's world. It's a wonderful way to connect with the era and understand the environment that nurtured his genius.

Adding a contemporary twist, the exhibition will also feature new works by internationally acclaimed sculptor Sasha Constable (b.1970), a direct descendant of John Constable himself! Her pieces, including a re-working of a Constable self-portrait in Portland stone and a response to 'The Cornfield' exploring the health of Suffolk’s rivers today, continue the family’s creative legacy and bridge the past with present-day concerns.

The exhibition also highlights Constable's deep connections to our local area. He held a profound admiration for fellow Suffolk artist Thomas Gainsborough, often visiting Ipswich to see the very locations Gainsborough had painted, such as scenes along the Orwell and Holywells Park. You'll also learn about George Frost, an early mentor with whom Constable sketched along the banks of the Orwell.

Emma Roodhouse, Art Collections & Learning Curator at Colchester + Ipswich Museums, perfectly sums it up: “Marking this anniversary year, the exhibition opens up the wider world around Constable, his family, friends and supporters, revealing the social networks that shaped his artistic development, and connecting them with the contemporary through the work of Sasha Constable. We can’t wait for visitors to discover unexpected moments and gain a richer, more expansive understanding of Constable’s story and legacy.”

Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums, added: “Ipswich is incredibly proud to host what will be an unrivalled display of Constable’s work, bringing together masterpieces - including The Hay Wain - and rarely seen treasures in his home county for the very first time. Thanks to the remarkable partnerships behind Constable 250, visitors will experience a once in a lifetime gathering of world-class artworks that celebrates not only Constable’s extraordinary influence and impact, but the people and places at the very heart of his story.”

This magnificent exhibition has been made possible by generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with loans supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. It truly is a community effort to celebrate such an iconic figure.

So, mark your calendars! Constable: A Cast of Characters at Christchurch Mansion is set to be a highlight of Ipswich’s cultural calendar from 28th March to 14th June 2026. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to explore the human stories behind the masterpieces and see how Ipswich played a pivotal role in shaping one of Britain’s most enduring artists. It's a wonderful way to connect with our heritage and enjoy a fantastic day out in our vibrant town. We hope to see you there!