Upcoming Exhibitions

Coming Soon: "In My Back Yard"

An Exclusive Exhibition by Beyond the Image Gallery

We are thrilled to announce our latest exhibition, "In My Back Yard," a curated collection from the talented members of the Beyond the Image Gallery. This showcase isn't just about a physical location—it’s an exploration of the familiar. From the hidden corners of a garden to the intimate details of daily life, our photographers have turned their lenses toward the spaces they know best.

What to Expect

Prepare for an eclectic mix of pictorial musings. Because our collective is made up of photographers with diverse styles and perspectives, the exhibition offers a rich variety of visual storytelling:

• Diverse Perspectives: A wide range of techniques, from classic monochrome to vibrant contemporary digital work.

• Intimate Subjects: Seeing the "ordinary" through an extraordinary lens.

• The Power of Place: Exploring what it means to find inspiration in our immediate surroundings.

Welcome to the World of Steven Kent:

From Icons to Insights

Step into a gallery where the grandeur of the spotlight meets the quiet dignity of the Suffolk soil. This exhibition brings together a premier collection of works by local artist Steven Kent, a painter who possesses the rare ability to capture both the global stage and the hidden corners of our home county.

The Faces You Know

Steven’s portraiture offers more than just a likeness; it offers an encounter. Known for his striking depictions of international icons and public figures, his work strips away the artifice of fame to reveal the human spirit beneath. Whether it is a legendary musician or a titan of industry, Kent’s use of light and texture brings a visceral energy to every canvas.

The Suffolk You Love

Beyond the glitz of his celebrity subjects lies Steven’s deep-rooted connection to the East Anglian landscape. This exhibition showcases his keen eye for the "everyday" beauty of Suffolk:

Rural Traditions: The rugged hands of local farmers and the timeless peace of the rolling countryside.

Urban Energy: The shifting shadows of Ipswich’s waterfront and the vibrant, bustling character of our market towns.

"I find as much character in the weathered face of a Suffolk fisherman as I do in a world-famous performer. To me, every subject is a story waiting to be told through paint." — Steven Kent

About the Artist

Based in the heart of the county, Steven Kent has spent decades refining a style that balances classical technique with contemporary grit. His work is a testament to the idea that art shouldn't just be seen—it should be felt.

We invite you to wander through this dual celebration of the extraordinary and the everyday. Experience the breadth of Steven Kent’s vision and rediscover the world—and the people—around you.

Welcome to an exhibition celebrating the photographic work of Stephen Ward.

To many in our community, Stephen is known as the driving force behind the camera and the champion of local creativity. As the longtime chairman of the Swaffham Visual Arts Festival, he has spent over a decade fostering talent, curating spaces, and ensuring that art thrives in the heart of Norfolk. This exhibition turns the lens back onto Stephen himself, offering a rare, comprehensive look at his personal photographic journey spanning many years.

Stephen’s relationship with photography is rooted in a deep, enduring curiosity about the world around him. His portfolio is an eclectic tapestry—moving seamlessly from the intimate, candid frames of family and holidays to the striking, open vistas of our local landscape and far beyond. It is a body of work that celebrates both the extraordinary and the everyday.

 Every photograph on this wall is more than just a captured moment—it is a story of patient observation, a study in texture, and a love letter to the craft of looking closely.

We invite you to step into Stephen’s world, explore the landscapes you thought you knew through a fresh lens, and celebrate a photographer who has given so much to the visual fabric of Swaffham.

Artist Spotlight: Capturing Life in Colour – The Art of Trudy Harman

Based in the picturesque county of Suffolk, full-time artist Trudy Harman has a rare gift: she doesn't just paint what she sees; she captures the very soul of her subjects. Working predominantly in pastels, Trudy has built a reputation as one of the region's most compelling contemporary artists, blending meticulous realism with a vibrant, expressive palette.

The Master of Pastel Portraits

While Trudy’s portfolio is diverse, she is perhaps best known for her breathtaking pet portraits. Her ability to translate the unique personality, fur texture, and depth of expression in an animal's eyes has earned her a dedicated following and prestigious industry recognition.

Trudy's signature technique involves layering an array of unexpected colours to build up form and light. Rather than relying on flat, literal tones, she weaves rich hues together to create depth, giving her pieces a luminosity that standard portraits often lack. The result is a hyper-realistic style that feels remarkably alive.

Award-Winning Artistry

Trudy’s exceptional talent was spotlighted on a national stage when she won the prestigious Jackson’s Painting Prize People’s Choice Award in 2020. Voted for by the public and art enthusiasts alike, this accolade cemented her status as a master of her craft and a favourite among collectors.

Inspired by the Natural World

Beyond the beloved companion animals that grace her easel, Trudy draws immense inspiration from the British countryside. Her work frequently explores:

• Wildlife: Capturing the raw, untamed spirit of native fauna, from the alert gaze of a hare to the delicate feathers of garden birds.

• Landscapes: Drawing from the sweeping skies and tranquil beauty of her home in Suffolk, her landscape pieces are atmospheric studies of light and colour.

Whether she is depicting a cherished family dog or a fleeting moment in the wild, Trudy’s love for the natural world shines through every stroke of her pastels.