CONSTABLE MASTERPIECE ON SHOW IN THE CHURCHILL SHOPPING CENTRE, DUDLEY

John Constable’s The Cornfield, one of the most beloved paintings from the National Gallery's London collection, is to be displayed in The Churchill Shopping Centre, Dudley, as part of a nationwide tour.

The painting, which has come to Dudley borough as part of the bi-annual Visits programme, is on display at units 18-20 until Sunday, July 2. It has previously been in Basildon, Newport on the Isle of Wight and Jarrow and will continue its journey until mid-July.

A wide range of activities are on offer for visitors to take part in at the exhibition site in Dudley town centre, which is open from 10am to 4pm. The fun includes art sessions with glass pens and collage materials, historic tours of the town centre and talks on the local glass industry and the landscape art of the Black Country. Pieces from Dudley Museum’s collection will also be on display alongside Constable’s masterpiece.

Completed in Constable’s London studio in 1826, The Cornfield depicts a lane shown winding into a vibrant cornfield, based on a path which the artist often walked along as a boy. The painting often inspires viewers to think about what home means to them and how it makes them feel.

Rob Ellis Director (shopping centres) at LCP, which owns and manages the Churchill Shopping Centre, said: “This is a unique opportunity to bring an iconic piece of art from the National Gallery collection to a wider audience in Dudley.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to host this beautiful Constable painting at the shopping centre and hope local people and visitors from further afield come and see The Cornfield while they have the chance.”

Kristein Neve, Asset Manager at LCP added: “It’s an incredible honour for an LCP shopping centre to be selected to host this magnificent painting and we had no hesitation in agreeing to it.”

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome The Cornfield to Dudley for our residents to enjoy. Being selected as one of the partners for the National Gallery’s Visits tour is a great honour for us.

“The artwork is available to view throughout the week with many activities to enjoy on site, so I hope visitors from the borough and beyond will make the trip into the town centre and take the opportunity to see this world-famous piece of art.”