The exhibition, titled “Ken White: The Creative Legacy of a Swindon Artist”, runs from Friday 20 June until Saturday 28 June and will bring together artworks from collections across Swindon Museums for the first time.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view a wide range of works by the late artist, who died in 2025 and became widely recognised for documenting Swindon’s history, people and railway heritage through his art.
White’s distinctive style also earned national recognition through projects including the Scarlet Lady aircraft livery for Virgin Atlantic.
The exhibition has been created to celebrate White’s contribution to the town’s cultural heritage and the lasting impact of his work.
A series of artist-led workshops will run alongside the exhibition, offering visitors the chance to explore techniques and themes inspired by White’s career.
The programme begins on Saturday 21 June with the “Tile Tales: Styrofoam Printing Workshop”, led by artist and educator Sue Bardwell. Participants will create relief prints inspired by White’s “Lydiard Triptych”.
Artist Billy Beaumont will host a free collaborative collage workshop on Tuesday 24 June.
On Wednesday 25 June, artist Sophia Bullock will lead a traditional linocut workshop, introducing participants to a printmaking technique regularly used by White.
The programme will conclude on Friday 27 June with the “Miniature Story: Diorama Workshop”, inspired by White’s Golden Lion Bridge mural.
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.”
Ken’s daughter, Laura White, welcomed the programme of events.
She said: “When I saw the events were happening I was so pleased. Dad would’ve absolutely loved it!”
Lydiard House Museum will be open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, throughout the exhibition.
Admission costs £6.70 for adults and £3.65 for children, while under-threes can enter free of charge. Family tickets and children’s activities are also available.
Most workshops require advance booking through the Lydiard Park website.
