A special exhibition celebrating the life and work of one of Swindon’s most recognisable artists is set to open at Lydiard House Museum this month.
Ken White: The Creative Legacy of a Swindon Artist will run from 20 to 28 June and will bring together works from collections held across Swindon’s museums for the first time, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the artist’s contribution to the town’s cultural heritage.
Ken White, who died in 2025, was widely known for his vibrant murals, paintings depicting Swindon’s railway history and public artworks that captured the character and identity of the town. Among his best-known works was his contribution to the distinctive livery of Virgin Atlantic’s Scarlet Lady aircraft, as well as a number of public murals that became familiar landmarks for local residents.
Organisers say the exhibition aims to celebrate both the breadth of White’s artistic practice and the lasting influence he had on Swindon’s creative community throughout his career.
The exhibition will feature pieces drawn from collections at STEAM Museum, Museum & Art Swindon and Lydiard House Museum, allowing many of his works to be viewed together in a single setting for the first time.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a series of artist-led workshops inspired by White’s techniques and artistic style.
The programme begins with a Styrofoam Printing Workshop led by artist and educator Sue Bardwell, where participants will create colourful relief prints inspired by White’s Lydiard Triptych. Later in the week, visitors can contribute to a large collaborative collage project led by artist Billy Beaumont, drawing inspiration from the themes and imagery found in White’s work.
A linocut workshop, led by artist Sophia Bullock, will introduce participants to a traditional printmaking method frequently used by White during his career. The programme concludes with a diorama-making workshop in which participants will create miniature scenes inspired by the artist’s Golden Lion Bridge mural.
Organisers hope the combination of exhibition displays and hands-on activities will encourage visitors of all ages to engage with White’s artistic legacy while exploring different creative techniques.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the full scope of White’s work and his contribution to the town.
He described White as one of Swindon’s most distinctive and celebrated artists and said bringing together works from across the borough’s collections would allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of his creative achievements.
The exhibition has also received the support of White’s family.
His daughter, Laura White, said she was delighted to see events being organised in his honour and believed her father would have been pleased to see people engaging with his work through the exhibition and creative workshops.
Lydiard House Museum will be open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10am and 4pm during the exhibition period. Family activities will also be available alongside the exhibition displays, offering additional opportunities for younger visitors to learn about White’s work and artistic techniques.
The exhibition serves as both a celebration of an influential local artist and a reminder of the important role art continues to play in telling the story of Swindon and its communities.
