31 January – 8 May, Hearne Gallery

Littlehampton Museum has partnered with Coastal Catalyst to empower local young people aged 13 to 25 to explore their creativity by producing original artworks inspired by the Town’s portrait of Gwendolen, Duchess of Norfolk, which hangs in the Town Council’s Millennium Chamber. 

The resultant exhibition is vibrant and colourful, infused with influences from Pop Art and street art. 

The portrait of Gwendolen holds significant local heritage. An almost identical oil painting of the Duchess, created by the same local artist, Maurice Randall, was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk on the occasion of their marriage in 1904 by the people of Littlehampton and is now displayed at Arundel Castle, the Norfolk’s ancestral home. In 1936, Randall gifted a pastel version of the portrait to the people of Littlehampton, which was unveiled in an opening ceremony attended by Gwendolen’s son Bernard, Duke of Norfolk, and the artist. This version has remained on display in the Town Council’s Millennium Chamber for the last 90 years!

Marking the 90th anniversary of Randall’s gift, Councillor Freddie Tandy, Chair of Littlehampton Town Council’s Community Resources Committee said: “On this important anniversary, we are delighted that the portrait of Gwendolen is inspiring a new generation of local creatives. We hope visitors will also take the opportunity to view this majestic portrait in the Council’s Millennium Chamber, a space usually reserved for council business, community meetings and weddings.”

As always, entry to Littlehampton Museum is free. For exhibition dates, opening hours, and information on visiting the Council Chamber to view the portrait of Gwendolen, please visit www.littlehamptonmuseum.co.uk.

For more information about Coastal Catalyst, please visit: https://futurecreators.org.uk/who-we-are/coastal-catalyst/