Art of the Past and Present

The Stour Valley has a unique and inspirational art heritage – with many opportunities to see and experience work by artists both past and present, inspired by this special landscape.

From famous artists of the past who painted the landscape, such as Constable, Gainsborough, Nash and Munnings, to contemporary artists working, teaching and displaying their works in galleries today, the Stour Valley is a unique and exciting destination for those with an interest in art.

Stour Surrounding - Artists and the Valley

‘Stour Surrounding - Artists and the Valley' is a documentary film that takes a look at artists both past and present who have responded to the landscape of the Stour Valley. In the film we hear how this special landscape – of Constable, Gainsborough and Munnings – continues to shape and speak to the work of contemporary artists today.


Moving between studio interviews and beautiful footage across the valley we hear from painter and sculptor Maggi Hambling who speaks of 'absorbing' the landscape, and from Simon Carter, May Cornet and several others who talk expressively about how they respond to the Stour Valley and landscape in their own individual ways.


CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this film occurs one swear word.


Art in the Valley Visitor Guide

The Stour Valley is a unique and exciting destination for those with an interest in art.

Explore the opportunities to see and experience work by artists both past and present, inspired by this special landscape


Art Podcast


To provide visitor information and inspiration, a series of ‘Visit Stour Valley’ podcasts has been produced.


Episode 1 – Arts and Artists in the Stour Valley explores how this special landscape has inspired famous artists of the past, including Constable, Gainsborough, Nash and Munnings, and continues to inspire artists living and working in the valley today.


It also provides information on how and where visitors can see and experience this rich art heritage.