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Ipswich Museums
@ipswichmuseums.bsky.social
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From mammoths to masterpieces, we’re wild for history, buzzing about art, and all about adventure! Explore Christchurch Mansion and (in 2026) Ipswich Museum & Ipswich Art Gallery. 🖼️🦣
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Give your eyes a treat! Colour Shape Pattern is packed with bold shapes, vivid colours and playful patterns: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern
Gallery space with parquet flooring and deep blue walls displaying bold, colourful artworks. On the left, two large panels depict bright yellow birds against green patterned backgrounds, illuminated by green and purple lighting. To the right, a series of modern abstract and figurative pieces in vivid hues line the wall. A glass display case in the centre contains patterned prints and illustrated works. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.
January 5, 2026 at 9:02 AM
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Magritte, Hockney, Delaunay… and a brand new piece by Lily Hammond. They’re all in Colour Shape Pattern. Don’t miss it: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern
Art gallery wall featuring vibrant modern works, including a green, red, and orange geometric print; a layered orange abstract; a large stylised figure in warm red and beige tones; and further along, bold blue, geometric, and curving multicoloured designs. The pieces are mounted on a deep blue wall above a parquet floor. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.
December 15, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Fancy a splash of colour? Step into Colour Shape Pattern and enjoy bold, bright, feel-good art. On now at Christchurch Mansion: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern
Gallery wall displaying bold modern artworks, including a blue still life with kitchenware, geometric and abstract designs in red, blue, yellow, and black, and a vibrant multicoloured composition with curved shapes. In the foreground, a glass case holds vividly patterned fabrics in pink, yellow, and black, along with a folded, illustrated concertina book. White text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the top right.
December 8, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Bright colours. Big names. Brilliant vibes. Colour Shape Pattern is open at Christchurch Mansion, come see Hockney, Magritte, and more: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/colour-shape-pattern
Art gallery display with vibrant modern artworks on dark blue walls, including a large yellow bird on a tree branch, bold abstract shapes in bright colours, and a red-toned figure. A glass-topped display case in the foreground contains colourful patterned prints and bird illustrations. Neon green lighting highlights one corner, and white text reads “COLOUR SHAPE PATTERN” with the Christchurch Mansion logo in the bottom right.
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Fierce, fearless and full of colour, Grace Hartigan (1922–2008) brought raw emotion and electric energy to every canvas she touched. A leading figure of American Abstract Expressionism, Hartigan was one of the few women at the heart of New York’s post-war art scene.
Black and white photograph of a woman in a patterned jumper working in an artist’s studio. She is seen squeezing paint from a tube onto a palette or work surface, with a concentrated expression. The foreground shows a table scattered with numerous paint tubes and brushes, some stored upright in a metal container. Behind her, an abstract painting or mural is partially visible on the wall, contributing to the creative atmosphere of the space. The overall scene captures a moment of focused artistic preparation.
November 24, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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This 18th-century youth is meant to be a graceful little figure holding flowers, but his expression suggests he’s just been told something mildly shocking. The sash and floral base make him look elegant, yet that wide-eyed stare makes it hard not to laugh.
Porcelain figurine of a standing cherubic figure on a circular base decorated with small flowers. The figure is nude except for a flowing turquoise drape that wraps diagonally across the body and hangs over the left arm. Both hands are raised, each holding a delicate flower, and additional blossoms are positioned near the feet. The surface is glossy with soft pastel colours, typical of 18th-century or Rococo-style decorative ceramics. A label beneath the figure reads IPSMG: R.1959-190, indicating a museum catalogue reference.
November 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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This portrait shows Charles Vesey of Hintlesham Hall, the eldest of 6 sons. The Vesey family had lived at Hintlesham since the reign of Henry VIII, and Charles inherited the estate. The portrait shows him with long, slightly curly hair and lace at the collar - fashionable details of the late 1600s.
Oval-framed oil portrait depicting a figure with voluminous, reddish-brown curls cascading over the shoulders. The subject wears a richly textured black garment, possibly a cloak or robe, paired with an ornate lace collar featuring intricate scrolling patterns. The background is dark and plain, drawing attention to the detailed rendering of the hair and fabric. The overall composition suggests a formal 17th-century style, emphasising elegance and status through luxurious materials and meticulous detailing.
November 21, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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A clock still marks the hour, now part of Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre. And though the trolleybus wires are long gone, the street remains a key part of Ipswich’s town centre life.

Did you ever visit the Picture House? Or queue under those awnings for a sale at H. Samuel?
Historic black-and-white photograph of a bustling street lined with multi-storey buildings featuring ornate façades and shopfronts. A prominent clock with the name H. Samuel hangs above a jeweller’s entrance, flanked by decorative ironwork. Below, an awning displays the words “STOCKTAKING SALE” in bold lettering. Other visible signs include “HAIR CUTTING” and “THE PICTURE HOUSE,” indicating a cinema further along the street. Additional signage for EAD SIMPSON and VALET can be seen on the right. Overhead, tram wires crisscross the scene, suggesting an early 20th-century urban setting. Several pedestrians in long coats and hats walk along the pavement, adding to the lively atmosphere.
November 20, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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And here’s how our #ThrowbackThursday photo, Tavern Street, looks today! While the shops may have changed, some of the architectural bones are still there.
Street-level view of a row of commercial buildings in a town centre. The architecture combines older brick façades with modern shopfronts. The central building has a red-brick exterior with white decorative stonework around the windows and cornice, housing businesses with dark blue signage, including The Carphone Warehouse and another store. To the left is a Boots pharmacy with a bright blue sign and a promotional poster in the window. On the right, a banner reading Tower Ramparts hangs from a neighbouring building, and a large clock is mounted on a metal frame above the pavement. A tall streetlamp stands in front of the shops, and the pavement is wide, suggesting a pedestrian-friendly shopping area.
November 20, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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Step into 1930s Ipswich for today’s #ThrowbackThursday. This scene features some iconic names, and of course, that striking clock. Overhead wires hint at the trolleybuses, and the Picture House sign draws the eye.

Share your best guesses and we’ll reveal the modern view this afternoon!
Historic black-and-white photograph of a bustling street lined with multi-storey buildings featuring ornate façades and shopfronts. A prominent clock with the name H. Samuel hangs above a jeweller’s entrance, flanked by decorative ironwork. Below, an awning displays the words “STOCKTAKING SALE” in bold lettering. Other visible signs include “HAIR CUTTING” and “THE PICTURE HOUSE,” indicating a cinema further along the street. Additional signage for EAD SIMPSON and VALET can be seen on the right. Overhead, tram wires crisscross the scene, suggesting an early 20th-century urban setting. Several pedestrians in long coats and hats walk along the pavement, adding to the lively atmosphere.
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Britain was known for exporting hunting hounds to the Roman world, yet figurines of dogs are rare. This is the only one so far found in Suffolk. The blunt-nosed features suggest a bull terrier type. A reminder that people then, just as now, kept dogs not only for work but for companionship.
Bronze figurine of a crouching dog, shown in a resting position with front legs extended and hind legs tucked beneath the body. The sculpture has a smooth, weathered surface with patches of green patina, indicating age and oxidation. The head is slightly raised, featuring rounded ears, a short snout, and subtle facial detailing. The body is compact and muscular, with a small protrusion on the back that may have served as an attachment point. The overall form suggests an ancient decorative or symbolic object, possibly used in ritual or as an ornamental piece.
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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This small bronze dog was found at Charsfield, near Wickham Market. It dates to the Roman period and wears a collar, showing it was likely a domestic pet. Dogs played many roles in Roman life. They were hunters, guards, and companions, but they also symbolised loyalty and protection.
Bronze figurine of a crouching dog, viewed in profile. The sculpture shows the animal with its head slightly raised and mouth open, front legs extended forward, and hind legs bent beneath the body. The surface is smooth but weathered, with visible green patina and small pitted areas indicating age. A subtle collar-like groove encircles the neck, and a small rounded protrusion is present on the back, possibly for attachment or decorative purpose. The overall form is compact and muscular, suggesting strength and symbolic significance, typical of ancient decorative or ritual objects.
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Born to a family steeped in creativity, Ben broke with tradition, gravitating towards European modernism. He rubbed shoulders with Mondrian, Picasso, and Barbara Hepworth (whom he later married) and forged a style that was as much about form as feeling.
Relief sculpture composed of layered geometric shapes in white or pale grey tones, set within a shallow, rectangular frame. A large rectangle dominates the right side, featuring a recessed square, while the left side includes a circle embossed within a rectangle and additional overlapping rectangular forms. The composition plays with depth, shadow, and spatial relationships, creating a minimalist, architectural aesthetic. The overall appearance is clean and abstract, evoking a sense of quiet order and balance.
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Ben Nicholson (1894–1982) spent his life distilling the world into lines, textures and shapes. A leading figure in British modernism, Nicholson's art moved from still-lifes and landscapes to stark white reliefs and abstract compositions – but always with a sense of balance, rhythm and restraint.
Oil painting of a young Ben Nicholson shown in three-quarter profile, set against a nearly black background. His face is softly illuminated, highlighting a serious expression with downturned lips and a direct, slightly apprehensive gaze. He has short, dark hair and wears dark clothing that blends into the shadowy surroundings, creating a stark contrast that draws focus to his face. The composition is minimal, with an emphasis on mood and introspection.
November 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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This gold and garnet mount shows the upper body of a bird of prey, its beak curving, neck narrowed, and eye once set with a red stone. Thin gold walls created tiny cells for garnet inlays, framed by beaded wire. It likely decorated something high status, from dress fittings to a sword hilt.
A small, damaged early medieval gold mount shaped as a bird of prey in left profile. The piece is crushed and distorted but shows a curving pointed beak, rounded head and narrowed neck. Cloisonné gold walls form tiny cells set with thin red garnet inlays, some missing or crushed. A beaded gold filigree border runs around the edge, visible front and back. Four small circular rivet holes sit near the beak and lower corners, where the mount was once fixed to another surface.
November 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Pop by Christchurch Mansion on Tue 18 Nov, 3.30–4pm to meet Sir Tony Robinson. He’ll be signing his new novel, House of Wolf, and copies will be on sale at the event. Come early if you can, say hello, and get your book signed. See you there!
Book cover for “The House of Wolf” by Tony Robinson, featuring a striking design in deep blue and gold tones. The title is displayed in large serif lettering, with the word “Wolf” partially overlaying an illustrated heraldic wolf motif in the background. Above the title, a quote from Dan Jones reads: “A page-turner full of historical intelligence, wit and heart.” Below, the tagline states: “Wessex, 857 AD. On the path to power, nobody can be trusted.” Decorative seals and symbols appear faintly across the cover, adding a sense of medieval intrigue and authenticity. The image shows a person seated against an ornate, weathered wooden backdrop featuring decorative carved panels with faded paint and intricate detailing. The individual is wearing a dark navy button-up shirt with a subtle dotted pattern and has both hands resting together in the foreground, fingers interlaced. The overall composition suggests a formal portrait setting with muted tones and soft lighting that highlights the textures of the background and clothing.
November 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Free drop‑in to handle Anglo‑Saxon replicas, chat to specialists and explore objects at Christchurch Mansion on Tue 18 Nov! Sir Tony Robinson will stop by for photos near closing: ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/meet-...
The image shows a collection of ornate early medieval jewellery displayed against a deep red background. At the top is a large, circular disc brooch featuring intricate gold filigree and interlaced patterns, with triangular panels and multiple garnet inlays arranged around a central boss. Below it is a row of six pendants, each with unique designs: some are silver with engraved motifs, others are gold with raised geometric patterns, and several incorporate gemstones such as garnets and amethysts. Small green beads and elongated blue stones are positioned between the pendants, suggesting elements of a necklace or decorative set. The craftsmanship and use of precious materials indicate these were high-status items, likely associated with elite burials or ceremonial attire. The image shows two intricately crafted early medieval artefacts displayed against a deep red background. On the left is a pyramidal gold mount with panels decorated in fine interlaced knotwork and a small square gemstone set at the top. The sides feature detailed filigree patterns framed by raised borders. On the right is an elongated, faceted piece with a geometric design of gold strips forming a lattice over red garnet inlays, creating a striking contrast. Both objects exhibit exceptional craftsmanship and are likely high-status fittings or jewellery components, reflecting the wealth and artistry of the period. The image shows a collection of archaeological artefacts displayed against a deep red background. At the centre is a large, circular gold disc decorated with intricate interlaced patterns and a raised central boss, likely a decorative mount or shield fitting. To the left are two elongated fragments with detailed gold filigree designs, possibly parts of a brooch or clasp. Below them is a corroded iron piece with a curved form, suggesting a structural or functional component. On the right, two vivid blue glass fragments with smooth surfaces indicate remnants of a vessel or ornament. At the bottom right is a composite piece featuring gold and garnet inlay, typical of high-status early medieval jewellery. The arrangement highlights craftsmanship and luxury materials associated with elite burials or ceremonial objects. The image shows a collection of corroded metal artefacts arranged against a deep red background. At the centre is a long, narrow belt fitting or strap end with a heavily textured surface and a circular buckle attached. Above it are three smaller rectangular mounts with jagged edges and pierced holes, likely for fastening. Below the main piece is a row of five round studs or decorative mounts, each featuring a raised spiral or rosette design. The objects exhibit greenish patina and surface pitting, indicating age and oxidation, and suggest components of an early medieval belt set or harness fitting.
November 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Homes were being cleared, new builds appearing, and the industrial skyline watching overhead. Today, it’s almost unrecognisable, replaced with leafy trees, driveways, and cars instead of cobbles. The last house on the right is still standing though - spot the same angled window and tiled roof!
Street view of a quiet urban road lined with parked cars on both sides. On the left, a row of brick buildings leads toward a taller structure in the distance, which is covered in scaffolding and protective sheeting, indicating construction or renovation work. The right side features a cream-coloured house with a brown tiled roof, a wooden fence, and a bright blue recycling bin near the driveway. Several mature trees dominate the centre background, partially obscuring the view beyond, and their foliage adds greenery to the scene. The sky is overcast with thick grey clouds, suggesting a cool or rainy day. Double yellow lines run along the kerbs, marking no-parking zones near junctions.
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Earlier for #ThrowbackThursday we gave you a glimpse of Currier’s Lane, Ipswich captured in 1934 and facing south toward Princes Street. This small lane was caught between decline and renewal.
Historic black-and-white photograph of Currie’s Lane, Ipswich, taken in 1934. The image shows the south end of the street with Prince Street visible in the distance. In the foreground is a row of brick terraced houses with multiple chimneys and sash windows, including a shopfront with a recessed doorway. Behind the houses stands a large industrial-style building with several stories and a flat roof, likely a factory or warehouse. On the right, part of another brick building with a tiled roof and a wooden fence is visible. Two people are present on the street, one near the shop entrance and another walking past the fence. Handwritten text along the bottom reads: “Currie’s Lane Ipswich 1934. South end with Prince St in distance.” The scene reflects an early 20th-century urban setting with mixed residential and industrial architecture.
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Let’s rewind to 1934 for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!

This now-vanished section of houses on this street once buzzed with life. Look closely and you’ll spot an active demolition site and a brand-new home tucked in the corner.
Here’s a clue: at least one house still stands today.
Historic black-and-white photograph showing a street corner with a row of brick terraced houses in the foreground and a large industrial-style building behind them. The houses have multiple chimneys, sash windows, and a shopfront with a recessed doorway. The taller building in the background features several stories with evenly spaced windows and a flat roof, suggesting a factory or mill. On the right, part of another brick building with a tiled roof is visible, and a wooden fence runs along the pavement. Two people are present on the street, one near the shop entrance and another walking past the fence. The overall scene conveys an early 20th-century urban or industrial setting.
November 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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Born in Pennsylvania in 1898 to a family of artists, Calder trained as an engineer before turning to sculpture. His background shows in his work, where arcs, loops and abstract forms are counterweighted to glide through space. His mobiles are playful, with bold colours and shapes that seem to dance.
Black and white photograph of a man standing beside the Mercury Fountain at the Paris Exposition. The fountain features curved metal elements over a circular basin, with visible streams of liquid mercury creating ripples. Behind him is Pablo Picasso’s mural Guernica, with its dramatic, fragmented figures and stark monochrome palette. The man, dressed in a suit, stands with a relaxed posture, hands in pockets, slightly off-centre. The composition juxtaposes industrial design and modern art within a mid-20th-century exhibition setting.
November 10, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Alexander Calder didn’t just create art; he set it in motion. Best known for inventing the mobile, Calder transformed sculpture from something solid and static into a balancing act of colour, shape and air. The result? Art that moves, literally, with a life of its own.
Black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with light-coloured, slightly tousled hair, wearing a striped button-up shirt with the collar open. He has a calm yet serious expression, gazing slightly to the left. The lighting is soft and even, casting minimal shadows against the plain, light-toned background, creating a clean and focused composition.
November 10, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Before mobiles, making a call meant finding a public telephone. Signs like this enamel one told you exactly where you could do it. It wasn’t just convenient - it was essential. People used them to call a taxi, check in with family, or send a quick message before heading home.
Vintage enamel sign with a deep blue background and bold white lettering stating “YOU MAY TELEPHONE FROM HERE.” The word “TELEPHONE” is prominently displayed in a larger font than the surrounding text. The sign shows signs of age, including scratches, worn edges, and a small mounting hole at the top centre. Its design suggests it was used historically to indicate the availability of telephone services in a public or commercial setting.
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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Ever noticed how one tiny detail can do all the talking? In the 1650s, a tulip was the ‘it’ accessory. This portrait of Henrietta Jermyn, later married to Henry Gage in 1655, pairs family coats‑of‑arms with pearls and ringlets to signal status.
Full-length portrait of a figure in an opulent deep blue gown with voluminous folds and silvered highlights, featuring puffed sleeves and a low neckline adorned with a jewel clasp. The figure holds a cluster of pink and red flowers in the right hand, positioned against a stone balustrade with two large columns framing a dark, cloudy sky in the background. On the left side of the balustrade, a coat of arms with crescent moons and a saltire is visible, while an inscription appears on the right, partially legible, referencing lineage and heritage. The overall composition conveys elegance and status, typical of 17th-century aristocratic portraiture.
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
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Some of Giacometti’s drawings are currently on display at Colour Shape Pattern, our latest exhibition at Christchurch Mansion. They might surprise you: away from the heavy bronze forms, his works on paper show a rapid, searching line – obsessive in repetition, but always elegant.
Silhouetted profile of a man intently working on a small, elongated sculpture in a dimly lit room. He holds a fine tool in one hand and the delicate figure in the other, his face and hands softly illuminated against a hazy, textured background. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, highlighting the precision and intimacy of his artistic process.
November 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM