On 11 June 2026 the National Trust at Flatford welcomed visitors, partners and the local community for a special celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Constable, as part of a wider programme taking place across Suffolk and Essex.

We’ve been working with the National Trust, commissioning artists Tom Hobden and Phoebe Stapleton on a new project The Rivers and Skies, which invites audiences from across the generations to tell or imagine their life stories through the metaphors of rivers and sky, drawing a parallel with John Constable’s way of seeing landscape as an emotional record.

The Rivers and Skies: Meet the artists

20 June & 19 July 12-3pm

The artists will be in residence at Flatford in June, July and August; they are inviting all drop in and chat to them about their work on 20 June & 19 July. Find out more here.

A message from our partners

National Trust Flatford Celebrates Constable’s 250th Birthday
as Part of Regional Constable250 Programme

On the 11 June, Flatford, which is on the Suffolk and Essex Border, welcomed visitors, partners and the local community for a special celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of John Constable, as part of the wider Constable250 programme taking place across Suffolk and Essex.

Despite typically unpredictable English weather, the event proved a great success, bringing together people from across the region to celebrate the life, work and legacy of one of Britain’s most influential landscape painters. The day showcased the unique connection between Constable and the landscapes of Flatford and East Bergholt that inspired many of his most famous works.

The celebrations were made possible through the collaboration of numerous organisations, partners and volunteers. The National Trust team at Flatford worked alongside colleagues from across Essex, national curatorial teams and delivery partners to create a memorable programme of activities for visitors. Special thanks were extended to East Bergholt Parish Council, Essex Cultural Diversity Project and artist-in-residence Tom Hobden, whose contributions helped bring the anniversary celebrations to life.

The event also attracted significant media attention, helping to share the Constable250 story with audiences far beyond the Stour Valley. Coverage from BBC Essex Radio, BBC Suffolk Radio and BBC Look East highlighted the importance of the anniversary and the continuing relevance of Constable’s artistic legacy. The support of those involved in media activity, including local partners and community representatives, played a key role in extending the reach of the celebrations.

Constable250 is a year-long programme commemorating the artist’s 250th birthday through exhibitions, events and community projects across the region. At Flatford, the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Constable’s remarkable contribution to British art, but also to recognise the enduring beauty of the landscapes and communities that inspired his work and continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Look out for the #Constable250 events and exhibitions happening across the region and head to Flatford’s website to find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford