This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of one of our most famous local painters - John Constable. Constable is best known for his beautiful landscapes inspired by growing up in Suffolk, including The Hay Wain, which as many of you will know, depicts a rural scene on the River Stour at Flatford.
Later this year, the painting is making its way from the National Gallery to Suffolk and will be on display at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich.
I believe that seeing ‘The Hay Wain’ itself in front of the beautiful landscape it depicts would be great addition to Constable's 250th birthday celebrations. As such, I’m campaigning to bring The Hay Wain home and have written to the Culture Secretary to request that the painting makes a stop on its way - at the site of its inspiration - Willy Lott’s cottage at Flatford Mill.
But I need your help, sign my petition below if you'd like to join my campaign to 'Bring The Hay Wain Home'.