Discover art in Norfolk

Norfolk has a strong tradition in art, particularly landscape painting, and was home to the earliest provincial art movement. The Norwich School of Painters was founded in 1803 and its circle featured mainly landscape and rural life painters.

Among the names associated with the movement are John Crome, John Sell Cotman, George Vincent and John Thistle. All four of these painters were active in the late 18th and early 19th century. The movement that drove and led has became known as the Norwich School of Painters.

An egalitarian art movement

The movement aimed to create a club where artists could exchange ideas and study different techniques. It was also an egalitarian group, with many self-taught, working class painters finding their feet at the club.

For a long time the work of these painters remained under-exposed, particularly compared to the works of JMW Turner and Constable. This was because they were bought by JJ Colman and kept in the Colman family private collection. These can now be viewed at a permanent display in Norwich Castle Museum.

Art in the Brecks

Keeping the tradition alive of art that is born from the local area are the artists involved in this year’s Breckland Open Studios 2026. The event takes place 11-19 July when 10 artists over seven studios will take part.

The artists work in a variety of media including ceramics, printmaking, glass art, sculpture and painting. This is a great opportunity to talk to artists , see demonstrations and perhaps treat yourself or find an unusual gift.

The event also offers visitors a chance to try their hand at different creative activities. Art and Clay in Swanton Morley have a number of free ‘Have a Go’ sessions; Still Life drawing classes are available on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12, while Gelli Plate Printing is available on Monday 13, Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15. Visit the website to learn more and book your place.

One local artist who will be featured at BOS 2026 is Ewan Graham. Formerly an independent financial advisor, Ewan took the plunge just four years ago, ditching the suit and tie and embracing life as a landscape and abstract painter. Several successful exhibitions later and Ewan feels he can now call himself a painter with some confidence.

An inspiring landscape

For Ewan, as with the Norwich School of Painters before him, the Norfolk landscape is one of the finest sources of creative inspiration. He will however, dive into the world of abstract painting every now and again: “Like for many artists, the occasional foray into abstraction is a welcome rupture, creating without constraints. Themes of paintings are derived from inspiration of countryside, imagination, observation and on occasion wanderlust.”

Whether visiting or living in Norfolk, there is a plethora of art and artists to be discovered across the county.

Distance to Mattishall from Rookery Farm West Beckham is 27 miles.