The Lost Modernist

Michael O'Connell

19th September - 20th December

O’Connell taught in Harlow and Ware and lived and worked with artists locally in Perry Green. He was a key figure in contemporary textile design with his innovative and dynamic unique style of batik and resist dying techniques. He was also influential in post war Britain’s progressive initiatives in education and public institutions. He was commissioned by Sir Hugh Casson (two works in our permanent collection) to create textile wall hangings for the Festival of Britain which took pride of place in the Country Pavilions. His other works were made to celebrate the optimistic post war years where he designed cartoons of the British countryside, farming and all that was great about England.

We will be in a unique position of being the first English gallery to exhibit this retrospective show which will include his collections of textiles silks, garments, sketchbooks and ephemera to illustrate his life locally as well as his works.

Special openings Saturday 28th September, 26th October and 7th Dec all 11- 2pm.

Other Saturday Opening and Events

21st September - 11am - 2pm
1pm - Walk and Talk - Professor Harriet Edquist will be giving a talk on the artist's practice, inspirations and techniques. She will lead you around the exhibition discussing the works on show. Tickets £2 per person with refreshments provided. Please book by calling the gallery on 01279 446 404 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.