Famous landscape painting coming to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
The Hay Wain is coming to Bristol to mark 200 years of London's National Gallery
One of Britain’s most popular paintings is going on display at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
‘The Hay Wain’ by John Constable is a landscape oil painting of rural, Victorian England. The masterpiece will feature as the centre piece of an exhibition called National Treasures: Constable in Bristol, ‘Truth to Nature’, running from 10 May to 1 September. The painting is coming from the National Gallery to mark 200 years since the iconic gallery was founded.
As the Hay Wain is coming to the West Country, 11 other regional and national museums across the UK that will be loaned a precious painting from the National Gallery as part of its National Treasures programme. Instead of getting a train all the way to London, you can make your way to your local museum or gallery to see some of the nations most loved landscapes.
Curator at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Julie Carver said, “We are really excited to be part of the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations and are looking forward to showcasing this famous painting alongside carefully chosen pieces that will make you look at landscapes - and hopefully The Hay Wain - in a whole new light”.
In addition to giving people the opportunity to see their favourite pieces, the exhibition will explore different works by both historical and modern artists. Art enthusiasts will be able to see how artists throughout the centuries have captured and reflected the issues of their own time through their landscapes.
Alexandra Kavanaugh, Head of National Touring Exhibitions at the National Gallery added, “We are so excited to see this display bring a fresh perspective to The Hay Wain, and particularly see its theme echoed alongside contemporary installations”.
Several other John Constable works will be accompanying the Hay Wain from London to Bristol, from the Victoria and Albert Museum.
You can find tickets for National Treasures: Constable in Bristol, ‘Truth to Nature’ here.