Edward Bawden
Bedford Gallery, Higgins Bedford: 3 October 2009 – 31 January 2010
This major exhibition from the Edward Bawden Archive covered every medium that he used, from watercolours and prints to stunning examples of commercial design
EDWARD BAWDEN R.A., C.B.E. was one of the most significant graphic designers of the 20th century. His work was highly individual and his distinctive style was not influenced by the vagaries of fashion or trends.
During the years 1981 to 1989, Edward Bawden donated the contents of his studio to Cecil Higgins Art Gallery in Bedford. This collection of over 3000 items covers his entire oeuvre. Bawden had written to the curator,
“My own wish would be for all the jigsaw pieces of my life’s work to be together, not scattered willy-nilly … I must say I should feel immensely happy if I could be allowed to leave my remains to Bedford.”
This exhibition was the first major showing of this extensive archive. It offered a unique opportunity to see a full survey of Bawden’s extensive and varied output. It was accompanied by the publication, Edward Bawden, lavishly illustrated in colour throughout, featuring previously unpublished material and a complete catalogue of the Edward Bawden Archive held at the Higgins Bedford.
Press Coverage
National Newspapers
Daily Telegraph
26 September 2009
Large feature, with images, by Martin Gayford about Edward Bawden and the exhibition
Independent
December 2009
Review by Rhoda Koenig
Magazines
Country Life
30 September 2009
Double page spread, with images, by Jeremy Musson
RA Magazine
October issue
Feature, with image, by Peyton Skipwith
House & Garden
November 2009
Highlight, with image, by Celina Fox
BBC Homes & Antiques
October 2009
Featured on exhibitions page, with image
Artists & Illustrators Magazine
October 2009
Featured on exhibitions page, with image
Spectator
December 2009
Review
Museums Journal
November/December 2009
Illustrated feature by Simon Stephens
Period Living magazine
Featured on exhibitions page, with images
World of Interiors
October issue
Featured Diary page, with image
Claudia Winkleman Show
October 2009
Estelle Lovatt highlights exhibition
Local press
Living Locally
October 2009
Full page feature, with images by Judy Riley
Bedfordshire on Sunday
4 October 2009
Feature with image, but Judy Riley