The Legacy of Anne Frank by Gillian Walnes Perry MBE

Sunday 26th January, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Free Entry - Booking Essential

Explore the legacy of Anne Frank in a talk by co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust UK, Gillian Walnes Perry MBE.

Gillian will discuss how Anne Frank's story has resonated with people all around the world, as well as the life and philosophy of Anne's' father, Otto Frank. She will share new insights into the real Anne Frank, by those who knew her.

This is a free talk, but booking is essential. To book your place, please use our online booking system. Use promotional code HIGGINS20 to remove the booking fee. Alternatively, you can telephone 01234 718044 or visit Bedford Central Box Office at 27 Harpur Street, Bedford.

* Part of Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorations at The Higgins Bedford. Find out more here: bit.ly/39ERf7w

Dreams and Nightmares - Study Day

Saturday 1st February, 11am-4pm

£12 (+£3 transaction fee) - Booking Essential

Join exhibition Keeper of Fine and Decorative Art, Victoria Partridge, Professor Christiana Payne, Dr David Boyd Haycock and Dr Nicholas Tromans for a fascinating day exploring Dreams and Nightmares in art. 

Enjoy a tour of the Dreams and Nightmares exhibition as well as several talks focusing on British Surrealism and the artists Richard Dadd, Samuel Palmer and Edward Burne-Jones. Includes lunch provided by The Higgins Pantry.

Download the full programme here.

To book your place, please visit Bedford Corn Exchange website or visit Bedford Central Box Office at 27 Harpur Street, Bedford. Alternatively, you can telephone 01234 718044. 

Image: Samuel Palmer (1805-1881) - The Bellman (from Il Penseroso), 1881 © Cecil Higgins Collection.

Saturday Wellbeing 

Saturday 25th January, 1-4pm, Free Entry

Enjoy some downtime with a variety of relaxing and sociable activities from family friendly creative clay art and boardgames to poetry and drumming workshops. There will also be a sound bath meditation session where you can unwind with the wonders of sounds and vibrations of individually played instruments. No need to book, just drop in.

Download the full programme here.

Portable Antiquities Scheme

Wednesday 29th January

1pm – 3pm, Free Entry

Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or metal detecting? 

Come along and share them with Finds Liaison Officer, Matt Fittock, to find out more about them. There is no need to book, just drop in.

Image: BEDFM 11720. The Old Warden Mirror, c.50 BCE-50 CE

Edward Bawden - Home and Abroad

Closes Sunday 26th January, Free Entry

This is the last week to visit the Home and Abroad exhibition and to discover how Edward Bawden's travels around the world have influenced his art. 

With trips to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and more, each new visit added to Bawden's extensive catalogue of work. All is explored in this exhibition and should not be missed!

The Edward Bawden Gallery will be closed from 27th January – 7th February while the new exhibition is installed. Architectural Elements opens Saturday 8th February.

Image: Edward Bawden (1903—1989) Edward Bawden in Portugal —Lisbon, 1962 ©The Edward Bawden Estate.