Saturday 12^th June – Sunday 5^th September 2010
In Association with Liss Fine Art 

Born in 1905, Stanley Lewis was described as one of the most important artists of his generation. From his time at the Royal College of Art (1925 – 1930), Lewis continued to paint everyday until his death last year at the age of 103. This will be the first major exhibition of this talented but little-known artist, held alongside works from the Cecil Higgins Collection by Lewis’ tutors and contemporaries, including William Rothenstein, Henry Moore & Augustus John. 

To find out more about Stanley Lewis and our related events click here

Coming Soon:

R.100 & R.101: Airships at Cardington 

Saturday 2^nd October – Sunday 19^th December 2010

To coincide with the 80^th Anniversary of the R.101 disaster, this exhibition will explore the development of airships in Bedford leading up to the iconic yet fateful R.100 and R.101, as well as the legacy that still stands in the form of the Cardington Sheds.

FREE lunchtime talks

Summer Holiday Activities

We have lots of activities throughout the summer holidays. All of the activities are at Bedford Museum. Booking is required for all activities except Friday Family Drop-In’s. Call us on 01234 353323 to book your places. Visit our Exhibitions and Events Page for a full listing. Here is a taster…

All talks are free to attend and are held at Bedford Gallery from 1pm until 1.30pm.

£3m Bedford Borough Council grant gives Phase 2 project a major boost.

Fundraising is going very well with confirmation of funding from Bedford Borough Council, the Wixamtree Trust, Charles Wells Brewery and the Rotary Clubs of Bedford taking the project over £5m, well on the way to the £6.7m target. Fundraising is ongoing including major grants being considered in the next few months.

Following the refurbishment of Bedford Gallery (Phase 1) last year, Phase 2 will involve the complete redesign and redisplay of all galleries. For the first time, Bedford’s major collections will be united under one roof, to create an outstanding, combined facility. The revitalised buildings, with new galleries, collections stores, learning spaces, shop and café, will be an excellent resource for local people, and will bring a greater number of visitors to Bedford, contributing to the regeneration of the town centre right in the heart of the cultural quarter

Architects, engineers and exhibition designers are currently busy preparing detailed plans for submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund and others. Subject to approvals and grants being awarded Bedford Museum is expected to close in the autumn, with building works starting in spring 2011.

You can help to support the redevelopment project by joining our Patrons’ Scheme. You can download the Patrons’ brochure here. For any other fundraising related issues please contact John Moore, Director at john.moore@bedford.gov.uk