People and Places

An exceptional collection of paintings and objects highlighting notable People and Places in the Canterbury area. From legendary Baroque court painter Anthony Van Dyke to contemporary Pop Artist David Hockney, this juxtaposed collection of artwork spans an impressive 500 years.

  • People and Places

Covering a range of universal themes through the medium of paint, print, pottery and sculpture, there is something to suit all tastes.

Portraits of notable local landowners, nobles, hop-pickers and Canterbury pilgrims adorn the walls, alongside captivating images of historic Canterbury and the Kentish countryside.

Children and adults alike are encouraged to ‘step into the paintings’ and recreate some of the room’s impressive artwork with an interactive dress-up activity.

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Family Activities Dress up in historical costumes, play games and enjoy books for various ages.

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Highlights from People and Places

Rupert Bear

Rupert Bear

The tale of Rupert Bear begins with the story of the Caldwell Family. The Caldwell’s were a family of artists who worked at Canterbury Cathedral on the restoration of stained-glass windows. Their... — Read more
Susan Bertie, Later Countess of Kent

Susan Bertie, Later Countess of Kent

With a family history reading like a who’s who of Tudor celebrity (find out more), this hypnotic portrait has now rightfully taken its place on The Beaney ‘Wall of... — Read more
Pilgrim Badges

Pilgrim Badges

The news of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170 spread with ferocity. Shortly after his death he was made a saint, and miracles began to be reported at his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral.... — Read more
Sir Basil Dixwell by Sir Anthony van Dyck

Sir Basil Dixwell by Sir Anthony van Dyck

Arguably a pearl in The Beaney’s collection, Van Dyck’s portrait of Sir Basil Dixwell (1638) was acquired by The Beaney in 2004, and is an excellent example of the refined painting style that... — Read more
The Little Girl at the Door by Harriet Halhed

The Little Girl at the Door by Harriet Halhed

Born in Australia, Harriet Halhed (1850-1933) came to England as an orphan, aged six, to be brought up by her aunt in Harbledown, near... — Read more
It was the time of roses by David Murray

It was the time of roses by David Murray

Likened to Constable, Sir David Murray RA (1849 – 1933) was a Royal Academician and very prolific Scottish landscape painter. Having studied at the Glasgow School of Art under Robert Greenlees, he... — Read more
Sculptures of the Magna Carta Barons

Sculptures of the Magna Carta Barons

When the Palace of Westminster was being rebuilt after the fire of 1834, it was decided to include in the House of Lords a series of statues representing the barons associated with the Magna... — Read more

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