_Flatford celebrates Constable’s 250th birthday

The National Trust at Flatford is preparing for a busy summer as it celebrates the 250 years since the birth of John Constable, one of the England’s most famous and much-loved landscape artists.

Born in nearby East Bergholt on 11 June 1776, John Constable’s father, Golding Constable, owned the watermill at Flatford and John spent this youth exploring and sketching the local landscape. The charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of his most well-known paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill

His paintings are of international significance and the scenes that inspired them are still recognisable at Flatford today. 250 years on from this birth, tens of thousands of visitors flock to Flatford from around world to see the views that inspired Constable’s iconic landscapes.

Where to find John Constable in Suffolk

This summer, the team at Flatford are planning a host of events and activities to mark 250 years since the birth of this much-loved artist including:

Maintaining a Masterpiece Walk – Friday 19 June, 10.30am-12.30pm

National Trust Countryside Manager Dave Piper will lead a walk throughout the landscape taking a closer look at how his team manages the famous Constable views.

The Rivers and Skies - Art Residency with Tom Hobden and Phoebe Stapleton 

In collaboration with the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, artists Tom Hobden and Phoebe Stapleton celebrate Constable’s 250th birthday with a community art project called The River and Skies. The artists will darken the Granary and fill the building with light – projection-mapping clouds, maps, and Constable's paintings across the beams.

Drop-in sessions will take place on Saturday 20 June and Sunday 19 July when visitors will be invited to become part of the artwork, picking up cameras and interactive tools to shape and respond to the visuals in real time. Tom and Phoebe will be working with local schools and community groups to develop the final immersive, multi-sensory installation which will be open at Flatford from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 August.

Colchester and Ipswich Art Societies ‘Draw-in’ – Friday 10-Monday 13 July

Join the Colchester and Ipswich Art Societies in the Granary for a 'Draw-In' with drop-in art activities and tuition for artist of all ages.

Constable 250: Suffolk Archives on Tour – Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August

The Hold will visit Flatford with their Suffolk Archives on Tour exhibition. This converted trailer and stall will have a Constable 250 theme, with a chance to discover more about Constable along with craft activities for children.

Constable 250: The Hay Wain Open Air Theatre - Friday 28 August

Join Packing Shed Theatre for a play inspired by The Hay Wain which imagines the story of the people in the painting and explores what their lives may have been like.

As well as the full programme of events, volunteers will be hosting guided tours on most days to learn more about the life and work of Constable.

Simon Peachey, Site Manager at Flatford said: 'We’re really looking forward to this summer of celebration. John Constable’s paintings are so famous and loved by many, that it is only right we celebrate this anniversary.  We hope visitors to Flatford will enjoy the events we have on offer and feel part of the celebration – and perhaps discover a little more about Constable and Flatford too'.

This summer’s activities at Flatford are part of wider celebrations throughout the region to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of this much-loved artist.

For more details of these and other events visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford