Exhibitions

The Lost Surrealist: Henry Orlik’s Quantum Revolution

Until 14 March 2026

At Museum & Art Swindon, we’re thrilled to be the first public museum to host an exhibition celebrating the work of important surrealist Henry Orlik (b.1947).

Orlik and his family arrived in England as refugees in 1948, and were part of the large Polish diaspora to settle in Swindon. Orlik studied at the Swindon School of Art from 1963 to 1966 before gaining a high profile in the 1970s, showing works alongside surrealist masters such as René Magritte and Salvador Dalí. After spending decades developing his practice in obscurity, Orlik’s work has seen a recent resurgence of national and international interest.

In collaboration with Winsor Birch, this exhibition is the first of its kind to explore and celebrate Orlik’s career. Through a selection of over thirty paintings and works on paper from private lenders, visitors will experience Orlik’s striking, otherworldly scenes and unique approach to “quantum painting”.(Image: ‘Eroded Castle’ by Henry Orlik, ©Henry Orlik, Courtesy of Winsor Birch Limited).

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Surreal Impulses

Until 14 March 2026

Alongside Henry Orlik’s otherworldly canvases, Surreal Impulses presents two displays demonstrating surrealist connections and inspirations in Museum & Art Swindon’s collections.In Beyond the Real, Swindon’s own surrealists Desmond Morris and Walter G. Poole are shown alongside works by artists who were, from the 1920s to the 2000s, influenced or inspired by the work of Surrealist artists, including Edward Wadsworth and Cecil Collins. 

A Different Frame of Mind looks at women artists and how some of the themes of surrealism such as absurdity, ambiguity, playfulness, psychological states, and unsettling imagery come through in their work. The display combines ceramics from the collection with works acquired during the 2010s by artists such as Monster Chetwynd and Katherine Jones.

(Image: ‘The Incident’ by Desmond Morris, 2018, ©Desmond Morris)

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Leslie Cole: Recording Conflict in the Second World War

Until 3 January 2026

There’s still plenty of time to see Leslie Cole: Recording Conflict in the Second World War celebrating the work of the prolific Swindon-born war artist. From 6 November, thanks to a generous private lender, visitors can enjoy even more fascinating items relating to Cole’s life and practice. Items on display will include Cole’s art materials and beautiful ceramics by his wife, the artist Brenda Cole. Leslie Cole: Recording Conflict explores Cole’s life and work before, during and after the Second World War.

To demonstrate the breadth and depth of his experience, the exhibition showcases Cole’s paintings, drawings and lithographs from the Museum & Art Swindon collections, as well as important loans from the Imperial War Museum and private lenders. Through works by artists like Mary Kessell, Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland held in the collection at Museum & Art Swindon, the exhibition also explores the role of the War Artists Advisory Committee, and Cole’s place within that legacy.(Image: ‘Manufacturing 250lbs Bombs, GWR Yard, Swindon’ by Leslie Cole, ©Estate of Leslie Cole, Courtesy of Imperial War Museums)

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New Acquisition

Eggs Unhatched on the Sun by Henry Orlik

Alongside the opening of The Lost Surrealist: Henry Orlik’s Quantum Revolution, Museum & Art Swindon is pleased to present a new acquisition to our collections.Eggs Unhatched on the Sun by Henry Orlik was acquired through the Contemporary Art Society and with assistance from the Friends of Museum & Art Swindon and artist’s representatives at Winsor Birch. It is now on display in our Origins Galleries. You can read more about the artwork by looking back at October’s Item of the Month.(Image: ‘Eggs Unhatched on the Sun’ by Henry Orlik, ©Henry Orlik, Courtesy of Winsor Birch Limited).

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Upcoming Events:

Leslie Cole: Swindon Born Artist with Philip Garrahan

Saturday 22 November, 2pm

Join local historian Philip Garrahan to gain insight into the unique creative context in which Cole spent his formative years before he became a war artist. Philip will cover Cole’s training at and beyond the Swindon School of Art, his early influences and war work, and his talent for lithography. Book now

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Artist Takeover Day

Saturday 8 November, 11.30am to 3.30pm

We are excited to announce that on Saturday 8 November local artists Rhianon Beardsall and Aradhna Rastogi will be joining us at Museum & Art Swindon.  Both artists will be available to meet and chat with visitors and perhaps you can leave with one of their beautiful pieces of art!  This is a FREE event so please come along.

Rhianon Beardsall is a full-time Wiltshire artist inspired by the natural world, Rhianon intuitively combines Colourist, Fauvist and Impressionist techniques capturing how it feels to be immersed in nature’s abundance, combined with observations of its connectivity and reliance.  Rhianon believes that art has the power to bring joy and lavishes her work with love.  Her mixed media paintings are created over time with typically thirty layers or more, creating a surface full of texture and depth.

Aradhna Rastogi is an artist with a passion for painting that dates back to her childhood.  She began expressing herself through sketches and watercolours.  Her love for art was nurtured by her mother and sister, who introduced her to traditional Indian art styles.  Being born into a family of Indian jewellery designers, Aradhna has been heavily influenced by her father’s gold work, which has led her to explore the use of gold leaf in her own art.