Munnings Art Museum in Dedham marks 65 years since opening

Sir Alfred Munnings KCVO, Kt, PRA, RWS (1891-92) was a celebrated painter and President of the Royal Academy in 1944 and was knighted in the same year. Amongst his many paintings are 45 during WW1, including one of Gordon Flowerdew VC (1894-99) leading a cavalry charge, which is pictured above.

Following his death the Munnings Art Museum was opened by his widow Violet in their home in Dedham and this year marks 65 years since it first opened to the public in 1961.

To celebrate, the museum is marking the anniversary with two special exhibitions running until 25^th October 2026 :

Pictures from Private Collections – a special exhibition charting the museum’s history culminates with twenty paintings from Private Collections, many rarely seen in public. These paintings not only demonstrate the versatility of Sir Alfred Munnings as an artist but highlight the continued popularity of his work amongst art collectors today.

The Influence of John Constable – in the 250^th anniversary year of the birth of John Constable a second exhibition explores the influence of Constable on the life and work of Sir Alfred Munnings. Both these artists were born in Suffolk, immersed in its natural beauty which steered the course of their painting and could be argued added to Munnings’ rejection of Modern Art.

King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Munnings Art Museum on Thursday 5th February 2026 and took a tour of the Museum and opened the restored Garden-room as part of the museum’s 65th anniversary celebrations.

For more details on the Munnings Art Museum click here.

Click here for a comprehensive biography on Sir Alfred Munnings in the Distinguished section of the website.