Ipswich Museums

Gallery interior with a large purple neon sign reading “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” mounted on a dark wall in the foreground. In the background, deep blue walls display vivid modern artworks, including two large yellow bird paintings lit with green and purple accents, alongside abstract and geometric pieces. Sculptures and display cases are arranged on the parquet floor, with warm lighting highlighting the exhibits. White text in the lower left corner repeats “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Last chance alert 🚨 Colour Shape Pattern closes 22 Feb! Come brighten your day with works from Hockney, Magritte and more: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Gallery scene with deep blue walls showcasing vivid modern artworks, including colourful geometric designs, abstract shapes, and a large stylised seated figure in warm tones. In the foreground, two bronze sculptures are displayed in glass cases on black plinths — one an abstract, polished form on a turquoise base, the other a crouching human figure on a dark plinth. Parquet flooring and green accent lighting add warmth to the space. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

If Colour Shape Pattern is still on your list, now’s the time. Only a few weeks left to enjoy this burst of colour before it’s gone: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Exhibition space with deep blue walls displaying an array of modern artworks, including bold abstract, geometric, and figurative pieces in vivid colours. A glass display case stands in the centre of the parquet floor. In the foreground, a pillar is covered with a striking floral pattern in shades of red, pink, orange, and blue. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Just 3 weeks left to see Colour Shape Pattern at Christchurch Mansion! Bold colour, striking patterns and big-name artists. Don’t miss your chance: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Gallery wall with framed landscape paintings in ornate gold frames, depicting rural scenes with fields, trees, and cottages under soft light. A glass display case in the centre holds small objects and printed materials. At the far end, a large, brightly coloured modern artwork shows part of a yellow bird against a red and green patterned background, lit with purple neon. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Big names, bright colours and patterns you’ll want on your walls. Colour Shape Pattern is open now: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Gallery interior with parquet flooring and deep blue walls displaying vibrant modern artworks. Two large panels on the left depict bright yellow birds against green patterned backdrops, lit with green and purple neon accents. Nearby hang abstract pieces in bold orange, red, and multicoloured geometric designs, alongside a large stylised seated figure in warm tones. A glass display case in the foreground contains colourful patterned prints and bird illustrations. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

From delicate design to big, bold splashes, Colour Shape Pattern celebrates it all. Come and explore: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Two bronze sculptures displayed in glass cases on tall black plinths within a gallery space. The sculpture on the left sits on a turquoise base and depicts an abstract, block-like form, while the one on the right features a crouching human figure on a rectangular plinth. The background shows blurred artworks and dark blue gallery walls. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Looking for a pick-me-up? Step into Colour Shape Pattern and let the creativity do its thing: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Visit Ipswich instead! 🌈

Gallery space with parquet flooring and deep blue walls displaying bold, colourful artworks. On the left, two large panels depict bright yellow birds against green patterned backgrounds, illuminated by green and purple lighting. To the right, a series of modern abstract and figurative pieces in vivid hues line the wall. A glass display case in the centre contains patterned prints and illustrated works. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Give your eyes a treat! Colour Shape Pattern is packed with bold shapes, vivid colours and playful patterns: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Art gallery wall featuring vibrant modern works, including a green, red, and orange geometric print; a layered orange abstract; a large stylised figure in warm red and beige tones; and further along, bold blue, geometric, and curving multicoloured designs. The pieces are mounted on a deep blue wall above a parquet floor. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Magritte, Hockney, Delaunay… and a brand new piece by Lily Hammond. They’re all in Colour Shape Pattern. Don’t miss it: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Gallery wall displaying bold modern artworks, including a blue still life with kitchenware, geometric and abstract designs in red, blue, yellow, and black, and a vibrant multicoloured composition with curved shapes. In the foreground, a glass case holds vividly patterned fabrics in pink, yellow, and black, along with a folded, illustrated concertina book. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the top right.

Fancy a splash of colour? Step into Colour Shape Pattern and enjoy bold, bright, feel-good art. On now at Christchurch Mansion: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Photos show our Christmas tree which has a silver and purple theme. The tree is situated in one of the elegant rooms within the mansion. In the back ground you can see three life-sized mannequins as part of the historical exhibit.

We're taking part in the @ipswichmuseums.bsky.social Christmas Tree Festival at Christchurch Mansion.
Our beautifully decorated tree can be seen until 5th January. We have included some purple braille baubles, and also some doves made out of braille paper in our display.

Art gallery display with vibrant modern artworks on dark blue walls, including a large yellow bird on a tree branch, bold abstract shapes in bright colours, and a red-toned figure. A glass-topped display case in the foreground contains colourful patterned prints and bird illustrations. Neon green lighting highlights one corner, and white text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.

Bright colours. Big names. Brilliant vibes. Colour Shape Pattern is open at Christchurch Mansion, come see Hockney, Magritte, and more: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Colour Shape Pattern | Ipswich Museums From bold splashes to delicate design, celebrate contemporary artworks at Christchurch Mansion.

Hartigan’s works, some of which are now on display in Colour Shape Pattern, buzz with vitality. Come and experience the force of Grace Hartigan’s vision now until 22 February 2026. Let your eyes follow the chaos and find the beauty in it: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

She painted alongside Pollock and de Kooning but refused to be overshadowed, forging a style that blended bold brushwork with hints of figuration, myth and memory. She once said, “I cannot expect even my own art to provide all the answers — only to hope it keeps asking the right questions.”

Black and white photograph of a woman in a patterned jumper working in an artist’s studio. She is seen squeezing paint from a tube onto a palette or work surface, with a concentrated expression. The foreground shows a table scattered with numerous paint tubes and brushes, some stored upright in a metal container. Behind her, an abstract painting or mural is partially visible on the wall, contributing to the creative atmosphere of the space. The overall scene captures a moment of focused artistic preparation.

Fierce, fearless and full of colour, Grace Hartigan (1922–2008) brought raw emotion and electric energy to every canvas she touched. A leading figure of American Abstract Expressionism, Hartigan was one of the few women at the heart of New York’s post-war art scene.

Visit Christchurch Mansion | Ipswich Museums This beautiful Tudor mansion boasts over 500 years of history and the biggest collection of Gainsborough and Constable paintings outside of London!

Objects like this remind us that even centuries ago, artists sometimes captured expressions that feel instantly familiar. We’ve all pulled a face like this when words just won’t do.

Come and explore more quirky pieces in our collections at Christchurch Mansion: buff.ly/sC5oAKT

Porcelain figurine of a standing cherubic figure on a circular base decorated with small flowers. The figure is nude except for a flowing turquoise drape that wraps diagonally across the body and hangs over the left arm. Both hands are raised, each holding a delicate flower, and additional blossoms are positioned near the feet. The surface is glossy with soft pastel colours, typical of 18th-century or Rococo-style decorative ceramics. A label beneath the figure reads IPSMG: R.1959-190, indicating a museum catalogue reference.

This 18th-century youth is meant to be a graceful little figure holding flowers, but his expression suggests he’s just been told something mildly shocking. The sash and floral base make him look elegant, yet that wide-eyed stare makes it hard not to laugh.

Visit Christchurch Mansion | Ipswich Museums This beautiful Tudor mansion boasts over 500 years of history and the biggest collection of Gainsborough and Constable paintings outside of London!

But beyond the style, portraits like this signalled family legacy. For the Veseys, Hintlesham Hall tied them to Suffolk’s gentry. The portrait, purchased from W. H. Booth, is now on display in the North Corridor at Christchurch Mansion. Visit and see it in person: buff.ly/sC5oAKT

Oval-framed oil portrait depicting a figure with voluminous, reddish-brown curls cascading over the shoulders. The subject wears a richly textured black garment, possibly a cloak or robe, paired with an ornate lace collar featuring intricate scrolling patterns. The background is dark and plain, drawing attention to the detailed rendering of the hair and fabric. The overall composition suggests a formal 17th-century style, emphasising elegance and status through luxurious materials and meticulous detailing.

This portrait shows Charles Vesey of Hintlesham Hall, the eldest of 6 sons. The Vesey family had lived at Hintlesham since the reign of Henry VIII, and Charles inherited the estate. The portrait shows him with long, slightly curly hair and lace at the collar - fashionable details of the late 1600s.

Historic black-and-white photograph of a bustling street lined with multi-storey buildings featuring ornate façades and shopfronts. A prominent clock with the name H. Samuel hangs above a jeweller’s entrance, flanked by decorative ironwork. Below, an awning displays the words “STOCKTAKING SALE” in bold lettering. Other visible signs include “HAIR CUTTING” and “THE PICTURE HOUSE,” indicating a cinema further along the street. Additional signage for EAD SIMPSON and VALET can be seen on the right. Overhead, tram wires crisscross the scene, suggesting an early 20th-century urban setting. Several pedestrians in long coats and hats walk along the pavement, adding to the lively atmosphere.

A clock still marks the hour, now part of Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre. And though the trolleybus wires are long gone, the street remains a key part of Ipswich’s town centre life.

Did you ever visit the Picture House? Or queue under those awnings for a sale at H. Samuel?

Street-level view of a row of commercial buildings in a town centre. The architecture combines older brick façades with modern shopfronts. The central building has a red-brick exterior with white decorative stonework around the windows and cornice, housing businesses with dark blue signage, including The Carphone Warehouse and another store. To the left is a Boots pharmacy with a bright blue sign and a promotional poster in the window. On the right, a banner reading Tower Ramparts hangs from a neighbouring building, and a large clock is mounted on a metal frame above the pavement. A tall streetlamp stands in front of the shops, and the pavement is wide, suggesting a pedestrian-friendly shopping area.

And here’s how our #ThrowbackThursday photo, Tavern Street, looks today! While the shops may have changed, some of the architectural bones are still there.

Historic black-and-white photograph of a bustling street lined with multi-storey buildings featuring ornate façades and shopfronts. A prominent clock with the name H. Samuel hangs above a jeweller’s entrance, flanked by decorative ironwork. Below, an awning displays the words “STOCKTAKING SALE” in bold lettering. Other visible signs include “HAIR CUTTING” and “THE PICTURE HOUSE,” indicating a cinema further along the street. Additional signage for EAD SIMPSON and VALET can be seen on the right. Overhead, tram wires crisscross the scene, suggesting an early 20th-century urban setting. Several pedestrians in long coats and hats walk along the pavement, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Step into 1930s Ipswich for today’s #ThrowbackThursday. This scene features some iconic names, and of course, that striking clock. Overhead wires hint at the trolleybuses, and the Picture House sign draws the eye.

Share your best guesses and we’ll reveal the modern view this afternoon!

Visit our Online Collections to explore more stories of everyday life in Roman Suffolk: cim-web.adlibhosting.com/ais6/search/...

Bronze figurine of a crouching dog, shown in a resting position with front legs extended and hind legs tucked beneath the body. The sculpture has a smooth, weathered surface with patches of green patina, indicating age and oxidation. The head is slightly raised, featuring rounded ears, a short snout, and subtle facial detailing. The body is compact and muscular, with a small protrusion on the back that may have served as an attachment point. The overall form suggests an ancient decorative or symbolic object, possibly used in ritual or as an ornamental piece.

Britain was known for exporting hunting hounds to the Roman world, yet figurines of dogs are rare. This is the only one so far found in Suffolk. The blunt-nosed features suggest a bull terrier type. A reminder that people then, just as now, kept dogs not only for work but for companionship.

Bronze figurine of a crouching dog, viewed in profile. The sculpture shows the animal with its head slightly raised and mouth open, front legs extended forward, and hind legs bent beneath the body. The surface is smooth but weathered, with visible green patina and small pitted areas indicating age. A subtle collar-like groove encircles the neck, and a small rounded protrusion is present on the back, possibly for attachment or decorative purpose. The overall form is compact and muscular, suggesting strength and symbolic significance, typical of ancient decorative or ritual objects.

This small bronze dog was found at Charsfield, near Wickham Market. It dates to the Roman period and wears a collar, showing it was likely a domestic pet. Dogs played many roles in Roman life. They were hunters, guards, and companions, but they also symbolised loyalty and protection.

Colour Shape Pattern | Ipswich Museums From bold splashes to delicate design, celebrate contemporary artworks at Christchurch Mansion.

Come and explore Ben Nicholson’s unique vision at Colour Shape Pattern, on display at Christchurch Mansion until 22 February 2026: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern

Relief sculpture composed of layered geometric shapes in white or pale grey tones, set within a shallow, rectangular frame. A large rectangle dominates the right side, featuring a recessed square, while the left side includes a circle embossed within a rectangle and additional overlapping rectangular forms. The composition plays with depth, shadow, and spatial relationships, creating a minimalist, architectural aesthetic. The overall appearance is clean and abstract, evoking a sense of quiet order and balance.

Born to a family steeped in creativity, Ben broke with tradition, gravitating towards European modernism. He rubbed shoulders with Mondrian, Picasso, and Barbara Hepworth (whom he later married) and forged a style that was as much about form as feeling.

Oil painting of a young Ben Nicholson shown in three-quarter profile, set against a nearly black background. His face is softly illuminated, highlighting a serious expression with downturned lips and a direct, slightly apprehensive gaze. He has short, dark hair and wears dark clothing that blends into the shadowy surroundings, creating a stark contrast that draws focus to his face. The composition is minimal, with an emphasis on mood and introspection.

Ben Nicholson (1894–1982) spent his life distilling the world into lines, textures and shapes. A leading figure in British modernism, Nicholson's art moved from still-lifes and landscapes to stark white reliefs and abstract compositions – but always with a sense of balance, rhythm and restraint.

Meet the Anglo Saxons | Ipswich Museums Discover Anglo-Saxon history at Christchurch Mansion on 18 Nov. Hands-on replicas, expert talks, and a special visit from Sir Tony Robinson. Free entry.

You can spot four tiny rivet holes that once fixed it to leather or wood, and the garnets that remain catch the light even now.

Love early medieval craft? Meet the Anglo Saxons at Christchurch Mansion on 18 Nov and get hands on with the period. Come along and say hello: buff.ly/Ps6rqpN

A small, damaged early medieval gold mount shaped as a bird of prey in left profile. The piece is crushed and distorted but shows a curving pointed beak, rounded head and narrowed neck. Cloisonné gold walls form tiny cells set with thin red garnet inlays, some missing or crushed. A beaded gold filigree border runs around the edge, visible front and back. Four small circular rivet holes sit near the beak and lower corners, where the mount was once fixed to another surface.

This gold and garnet mount shows the upper body of a bird of prey, its beak curving, neck narrowed, and eye once set with a red stone. Thin gold walls created tiny cells for garnet inlays, framed by beaded wire. It likely decorated something high status, from dress fittings to a sword hilt.