History

Cecil Higgins, the youngest son of a wealthy Bedford brewer was born in 1856 in Castle Close. In 1883 he went into partnership with his elder brother to run the business. Cecil began collecting with the ambition of providing for a Museum in Bedford in his 70's under the advice of James Kiddall from Sotheby's, London. On his death he left his Collection to what is now Bedford Borough Council on the understanding that they would display it, "For the benefit, interest, and education of the inhabitants of and visitors to Bedford…"
Codicil to Cecil Higgins will, Clause 5(1) (c)

History of the Gallery

The Gallery opened to the public on the 29th July 1949 in Cecil Higgins old home. In 1976 an extension was added to allow greater exhibition space for the Watercolours and Ceramics, Porcelain and Glass. Visitors come from all over the world to see the renowned collection of Fine and Decorative Arts.

There are currently three major exhibitions a year at the Gallery showing works from the Paintings, Prints and Drawings Collection that are often supplemented with items on loan from other galleries and museums. There are also small themed displays changing on a monthly basis showing items from the reserve collection of Costume, Textiles and Dress.