SEVERAL works by Edward Bawden are on show at Colchester’s Firstsite art gallery.

Bawden was born in Braintree in 1903 and became was one of the most influential English graphic artists of the 20th century.

He was also a central figure within the community of artists which gathered in the village Great Bardfield, where Bawden lived between 1932 and 1970, when he moved to Saffron Walden.

Although mainly known for his prints and commercial illustrations, Bawden also painted watercolours throughout his career, capturing details of his immediate surroundings, from a bird’s nest in his garden to village churches and farm buildings.

Some of these paintings, including Beach Huts, Clayton, Farmyard Near Braintree, and Finchingfield can be seen at Firstsite, alongside an exhibition by Sophie von Hellermann, which includes her own Essex-inspired mural.

Michelle Cotton, Firstsite’s senior curator, says: “There’s a whole collection of local artists from this region which we at Firstsite should revisit, and Bawden is one of them.

“When I was talking to Sophie about her exhibition, I immediately thought of Bawden. I think the pairing works well.

“I’m sure there’s scope for a bigger exhibition of his work at some future stage, and that’s why I wanted to specifically focus on this one aspect of his work, namely the Essex landscape.”

Edward Bawden:
Essex Watercolours
Firstsite,
Lewis Gardens, Colchester.
Until August 26. 10am-5pm.
Mondays to Sundays,
Free
01206 577067