John Constable in Hampstead

To celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the birth of iconic Suffolk-born artist John Constable, Burgh House is delighted to present John Constable in Hampstead, a new exhibition exploring the artist’s profound connection to Hampstead Heath and the surrounding area where he lived and worked for almost twenty years. Opening on 11^th June, the anniversary of Constable’s birth, John Constable in Hampstead brings together key works from the artist’s Hampstead years, revealing how the area became both a creative inspiration and a refuge from London life. 

Through rarely seen paintings, mezzotints, portraits, and personal letters, this exhibition traces Constable’s deep engagement with the landscape, weather, and people of Hampstead during a pivotal and deeply personal period in his life. A highlight of the exhibition is an oil study for Hampstead Heath with a Rainbow (c.1830), on loan from a private collection. Depicting Branch Hill Pond — one of Constable’s favourite Hampstead views, the painting captures the brewing storm clouds and luminous atmosphere that define his mature style. Technical analysis has revealed an unfinished portrait beneath the landscape, thought to depict Constable’s uncle, the wine merchant David Pike Watts.

The exhibition also examines Constable’s important collaboration with the printmaker David Lucas. Between 1830 and 1832, the pair produced the celebrated mezzotint series English Landscape Scenery, translating Constable’s paintings into richly atmospheric prints. Alongside landscapes, the exhibition features portraits and letters connected to Constable’s close friend Dr Herbert Evans, who cared for his wife Maria during her final illness and supported the artist after her death. Also on display is a portrait of Dr Evans’s mother, Deborah Mescall Evans, accompanied by a letter describing her experience of sitting for Constable.

On Thursday 30^th July, Assistant Curator Helen Woollison will present a special talk exploring Constable’s life and artistic practice in Hampstead. Marking the 250th anniversary of the artist’s birth.

Where: Burgh House, London, NW3 1LT

When: Thursday 11th June  – Sunday 20th June 2026

Opening Times: Wednesday – Friday and Sundays, 10am-4pm

Admission: FREE

Further Information: Constable in Hampstead

Venue details