Constable's Masterpieces in Mixed Reality at East Bergholt Pop-Up
An exhibition named 'Unconventional Constable' is set to take place in East Bergholt, the birthplace of John Constable, from August 17 to 23, 2026. This week-long event will showcase ten of Constable's renowned paintings, including pieces borrowed from The National Gallery, National Galleries of Scotland, and the V&A. Attendees will experience these 19th-century artworks using mixed-reality headsets, a modern technological advancement. Developed by Xibitr, a creative technology studio based in Ipswich, in collaboration with Babergh District Council and Colchester + Ipswich Museums, the Constable Memorial Hall will be converted into a temporary art gallery. This project merges cutting-edge 3D design with game-engine technology, offering a novel way to engage with Constable's art.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Unconventional Constable' opens in East Bergholt from 17 to 23 August 2026.
- Ten of John Constable's paintings will be shown, including loans from The National Gallery, National Galleries of Scotland, and V&A.
- The exhibition uses mixed-reality headsets to view the paintings.
- Developed by Ipswich-based creative technology studio Xibitr.
- Partnership with Babergh District Council and Colchester + Ipswich Museums.
- Venue is Constable Memorial Hall in East Bergholt, Constable's birthplace.
- Combines advanced 3D design and game-engine technology.
- The exhibition is a pop-up, lasting one week.
Entities
Artists
- John Constable
Institutions
- The National Gallery
- National Galleries of Scotland
- V&A
- Xibitr
- Babergh District Council
- Colchester + Ipswich Museums
Locations
- East Bergholt
- Ipswich
- United Kingdom