Discover Maidstone Museum's Hidden Art Gems on Bargain Hunt!

The BBC's Bargain Hunt program recently featured Maidstone Museum and its impressive collection of works by Albert Goodwin, a renowned artist from the 19th and 20th centuries. Eric Knowles, a well-known antiques expert and television personality, visited the museum to explore Goodwin's art. Goodwin, who was born in Maidstone in 1845, showed a talent for drawing from a young age while working as an apprentice draper. His artistic journey was influenced by important figures from the Arts and Crafts movement, such as William Morris and John Ruskin, who became his mentor and friend.

Maidstone Museum is proud to hold the largest public collection of Goodwin's work, with over 200 watercolours and drawings. These pieces capture his travels around the world as well as scenes from his home county of Kent. One of his notable paintings, Salisbury Cathedral, is admired for its depiction of sunlight and the cathedral's soaring spire. Samantha Harris, the museum's collection manager, describes Goodwin as one of the museum's most treasured artists, and the collection is considered exceptional. The museum's efforts to showcase Goodwin's work have brought national attention, helping to raise its profile as a place of cultural significance.

In addition to celebrating Goodwin, the museum has received a £75,000 grant from the Museum Renewal Fund to highlight another Maidstone-born artist, William Alexander. Alexander, born in 1767, is famous for his illustrations of 18th-century China. He served as the official draughtsman on Britain's first diplomatic mission to the Chinese Qing court, creating detailed drawings based on his direct observations. These illustrations provide a rare and valuable glimpse into Chinese life at the time. The grant will be used to develop a touring exhibition that focuses on Alexander's global impact, further enhancing the museum's reputation.

Councillor Stephen Thompson has emphasized that both Goodwin and Alexander represent Maidstone's rich cultural heritage and international connections. The increased media attention from programs like Bargain Hunt is helping to attract more visitors and highlight the museum's importance. The museum, which features a mix of historic and modern architecture, will reopen on 11 February after its winter break. Visitors can look forward to seeing not only Goodwin's and Alexander's works but also other fascinating exhibits, such as a colour etching of the Church of St George at Ivychurch and a miniature tin figure of Sir Kreemy Knut. Maidstone Museum continues to be a vital part of the community, offering insights into art, history, and culture for people of all ages.