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.
Information
Family Activities Dress up in historical costumes, play games and enjoy books for various ages.
Highlights from People and Places
Millie Knight by Dene Leigh
An Oil on linen portrait of Millie Knight by artist Dene Leigh on display at The Beaney in... — Read more
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
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
Dr Sinan Rawi by Oriane Pierrepoint
An Oil on canvas portrait of Dr Sinan Rawi by artist Oriane Pierrepoint on display at The Beaney in... — Read more
Delilah Tickles by Hannah Rose Thomas
A mixed media portrait of Delilah Tickles, a drag queen and comedy performer from Canterbury. Painted by artist Hannah Rose... — Read more
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
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
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
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