Our current exhibitions
Samuel Lucas (1805-1870): artist, farmer, anti-slaver, 
9 September – 12 November 2023
Over forty paintings and drawings by Samuel Lucas, Hitchin’s most celebrated artist during the Victorian period. The paintings cover his interest in local landscapes and wildlife, and his work as a Quaker in the anti-slavery movement.
Hitchin Market: a picture essay of the early 2000s. Photos by Simon Maddison
5 September – 2 October 2023
“Having lived in Hitchin and shopped at the market since 1973, I wish I’d taken more photos of the market in those early years. My photographic interests are informal portraits, street life, storytelling and social documentary.
Images, both candid and posed, show the diversity of market days illustrating both the general market and the antiques and craft markets. The market has faced some challenges over the last 50 years, from the growth of supermarkets to more recently, the impact of Covid.
Footfall at times has been very low. One constant is the English weather which can make running a stall frankly miserable some days. I have sought to capture this and to recognise the fortitude of particularly the longstanding traders in these adverse conditions. My sincere thanks to all the market traders who have allowed me to loiter and photograph them, their tolerance is much appreciated. Without their friendly cooperation there would be no exhibition.” Simon Maddison.
This Exhibition runs in the Arches space of the Terrace Gallery from 5th September – 2 October 2003.
Upcoming exhibitions
Artist Rooms: Diane Arbus, 2 December 2023 – 25 February 2024
A rare opportunity to see the work of Diane Arbus (1923-1971), one of the great figures of 20th century photography. Arbus built up relationships of trust with her subjects to produce powerful and intimate portraits. Artist Rooms: Diane Arbus is presented in partnership with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland.
Camden Town to Garden City: work by Gilman, Gore and Ratcliffe, 9 March – 30 June 2024
A major exhibition of paintings and drawings by three artists who worked in Letchworth in the years before World War 1, with loans from museums across the country including Tate, the Government Art Collection and the National Museum of Wales.
Hitchin’s Toy Story, Summer 2024
Did you know that some of the world’s popular toys were designed in Hitchin? This exhibition has lots of colourful examples of toys designed in the 1990s and 2000s, and manufactured by companies like Tomy, Mattell and Kiddicraft. Fun for children and nostalgic for adults.
The Snowman, October – December 2024
An exhibition of framed cels from the popular 1982 film, with early versions of the book and a facsimile of the original. Snowman activities and dressing up for the little ones.
Past exhibitions
Find out about past exhibitions here.