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Constable painting draws crowds in his home county

George KingSuffolk
News imageQays Najm/BBC School pupils and teachers look at a large oil painting in an art exhibition. Their backs are to the camera. Qays Najm/BBC
The Hay Wain has been on display in Ipswich since 11 July

A famous John Constable painting has been viewed by more than 11,000 people since it went on display in the county it depicts for the first time.

The Hay Wain, an 1821 oil painting of a rural scene near the River Stour in Flatford, Suffolk, was unveiled at Ipswich's Christchurch Mansion two months ago.

It will remain there until 4 October, having been loaned to Colchester and Ipswich Museums from the National Gallery in London.

Ipswich Borough Council described its appearance in the county as a "once-in-a-generation" occasion.

News imageQays Najm/BBC A large oil painting displayed on a wall as part of an art exhibition. The painting depicts a rural scene with a horse and cart moving through a river. There is a cottage on the left bank of the river. Qays Najm/BBC
John Constable's masterpiece in all its glory at Christchurch Mansion

Constable was born in 1776 in East Bergholt and produced many paintings of the Suffolk countryside during his career, until his death in 1837, aged 60.

His works helped to give the area the nickname Constable Country, but The Hay Wain was actually produced in London.

The exhibition in Ipswich - which also celebrates the artist's life and other works - is part of a series of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.

News imageGetty Images A self portrait of John Constable. It is a black and white chalk and pencil drawing. He depicted himself with dark hair that rests over his forehead and he wears a dark jacket with a large collar and a white cravat around his neck. He is expressionless and has dark eyes. Getty Images
John Constable, shown in a self portrait from about 1800, died in London in 1837
News imageMatt Marvel/BBC An idyllic scene in Flatford, near Dedham, featuring trees and showing the River Stour and a white cottage on the left river bank. Matt Marvel/BBC
Constable's The Hay Wain depicts this area of Flatford, Suffolk
LISTEN: Flatford Mill: Much more than a pretty picture

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