• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Wednesday June 17 2026

Swindon celebrates life of acclaimed local artist

Swindon’s Lydiard House Museum is hosting a special exhibition and programme of creative activities celebrating the life and work of acclaimed town artist Ken White, who died last year.

Running from Saturday, June 20 to Sunday, June 28, Ken White: The Creative Legacy of a Swindon Artist will bring together artworks by Ken White from collections across Swindon Museums for the first time, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the artist’s remarkable contribution to the cultural life of Swindon.

Best known for his striking murals, evocative paintings of Swindon’s railway heritage and his work on Virgin Atlantic’s iconic Scarlet Lady aircraft livery, he captured the character, history and spirit of the town throughout his career.

Following his passing in 2025, the exhibition celebrates his enduring artistic legacy and the lasting impact of his work.

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of artist-led workshops and activities inspired by Ken’s artistic styles and creative practice will also be taking place.

This Saturday, visitors can take inspiration from Ken White’s Lydiard Triptych to create a colourful relief print with artist and educator, Sue Bardwell as part of Tile Tales: Styrofoam Printing Workshop.

Visitors can join artist Billy Beaumont on Wednesday, 24 June and contribute to a Collaborative Collage inspired by Ken’s work. Free, drop-in sessions are available between 11am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 3pm.

A Linocut Workshop, led by artist Sophia Bullock on Thursday, 25 June between 10.30am and 1pm, will introduce participating to the traditional printmaking technique that featured in Ken’s work. £25 per participant (all materials included).

Finally, on Saturday, 27 June, visitors can learn about composition, perspective, background and foreground as Sue Bardwell guides participants through creating miniature scenes inspired by the Golden Lion Bridge mural in the Miniature Story: Diorama Workshop. Sessions take place at 10.15am or 11.45am. £5 per participant (all materials included).

Alongside the workshops, Lydiard House Museum will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, between 20 and 28 June. Admission costs £6.70 for an adult and £3.65 for a child, with under threes admitted free. Family tickets are also available, and free accompanying children’s activities will be available.

Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “Ken White was one of Swindon’s most distinctive and celebrated artists and we are proud to have artworks by him as part of the collections at STEAM Museum, Museum & Art Swindon and Lydiard House Museum.

“This exhibition brings these works together for the first time, offering a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of his creative practice and his lasting contribution to Swindon’s cultural life.

“I would encourage all residents to take part in the workshops and activities inspired by Ken’s work; it’s a fitting tribute to an artist who inspired so many people throughout his career.”

Laura White, Ken White’s daughter, added: “When I saw the events were happening I was so pleased. Dad would’ve absolutely loved it!”