Hitchin: New painting exhibition opens at North Herts Museum

Home and Away is open until the end of April and showcases the work of Barbara Heaton and Anne Parker. The artists have painted canvasses reflecting both their love of North Herts, and their travels further afield.

Barbara is a longstanding member of Letchworth Art Society and has won three competitions by The Artist and The English Garden magazines.

Meanwhile, Anne's paintings have featured in a calendar sold in support of the Garden House Hospice, and has exhibited with Letchworth Art Society, of which she is a member.

Her great-grandfather owned one of the first houses to be built in Letchworth Garden City, and she enjoys living near Norton Common - an area which inspire many of her paintings.

Anne Parker's painting of Lindisfarne Castle. (Image: Anne Parker / North Herts Council)

Ros Allwood, cultural services manager at North Herts Council, said: “We are delighted to host this exhibition with some fabulous pieces recognisable to local residents, including Barbara’s gorgeous scene of a Letchworth allotment with typical early Garden City houses in the background.

"Anne’s paintings include one of Norton Common with a muntjac and black squirrel, and a charming view of bluebells in Hitch Wood. We hope the exhibition inspires other artists and creative groups to exhibit with us.”

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A recent young visitor aged 12 said: “I love these pieces of art, they’re so pretty. As a young artist they are very inspiring.”

The exhibition is open until April 30, and entrance is free.

North Herts Museum is also currently hosting The BFG in Pictures, a touring exhibition from the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. That exhibition is open until April 23, and entrance is also free.

The Museum is located in Brand Street in Hitchin, and is open from 10.30am until 4.30pm Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11am until 3pm on Sundays.