Don’t miss North Herts’ most important Victorian artist

Come to see the district’s most prominent painter from the Victorian era, Samuel Lucas, at North Herts Museum in Hitchin from 9 September to 12 November.

Samuel Lucas (1805 -1870) was born in Hitchin and lived there all his life. He is probably best known for his large oil painting of Hitchin Market Place as it was around 1840 (pictured below), which is on permanent display at the museum. He was born into a Quaker family and was primarily a businessman, farmer and brewer, who painted in his spare time. His work has been displayed at the Royal Academy and is in the collection of the British Museum.

This exhibition concentrates mainly on his watercolours and drawings, including over 40 pieces covering his interest in local landscapes and wildlife, and also his work as a Quaker in the anti-slavery movement.

Cllr Tamsin Thomas, deputy Executive Member for Arts & Enterprise, said: “Samuel Lucas is a very important artist, farmer and anti-slaver for North Herts. This exhibition focuses on his detailed sketch drawings and watercolours with his unique style and technique.”

North Herts Museum is located on Brand Street, Hitchin, open Tue-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm and Sun 11am-3pm, this exhibition and general admission is free.

For more information check out @northhertsmuseum on Facebook and Instagram, @nhertsmuseum on Twitter, visit the North Herts Museum website or call 01462 474554.