Marlowe Theatre Art Galleries Sidney Cooper Canterbury Kent UK

Canterbury Art Galleries & Thomas Sidney Cooper

There's no end to Canterbury's appeal, for alongside being a historic English city hub Canterbury is also a centre for art and the arts. You can view the work of local artistic talent from Christ Church at the aptly named Sidney Cooper Gallery on St Peter's Street. The building was originally an arts school, set up in 1882 by acclaimed Canterbury cattle painter himself TS Cooper. Mary Tourtel, creator of Rupert Bear took lessons here in landscape and animal drawing. This gallery has a rich heritage and a contemporary edge, exhibiting not just the work of talented local students, but also acclaimed National and International artists. Checkout the Sidney Cooper Gallery's webguide right for forthcoming exhibitions.

Sidney Cooper Gallery, St Peter's Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BQ. Tel. 01227 453267. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 5:30pm (closed Sunday and Monday). Checkout too the Herbert Read Gallery (webguide right), part of the UCCA selection of artistic venues display more local talent and contemporary art. Herbert Read Gallery at Canterbury, New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent. Tel. 01227 817364. Open Monday - Friday 10:00 - 17:00, Saturday 12:00 - 17:00. Sunday & Bank Holidays - Closed. Checkout the Herbert Read Gallery's webguide right for details. This gallery is one of a choice of galleries connected with the University College for the Creative Arts in the Kent area.

For one of the best collections of TS Cooper's work and cattle scenes head to the Royal Museum and Art gallery on Canterbury's High Street where a selection of this popular Victorian artist's work is on display alongside some Van Dyck and Henry Moore. Early lithographs by Thomas Sidney Cooper of Canterbury depicting the intricate detail of the cathedral, Westgate and Christ Church Gate amongst other Canterbury scenes hinted at the talent to come. After a period of study with the acclaimed Belgian animal painter Eugene Verboeckhoven who recognised Cooper's talent and encouraged him.

Cooper went on to become one of the most popular Victorian painters of his day, particularly famed for his cattle paintings earning him the nickname 'Cow Cooper'. No contemporary painter could compete with Cooper's skill in depicting the woolliness of fleece or the hides of cattle. Canterbury born and associated closely with the city, Cooper painted numerous Canterbury meadow scenes with either Canterbury Cathedral or the Westgate Towers visible in the distance, Cooper's treatment of the Cow, often on a mammoth scale, has been compared to Landseer's depictions of deer. Various booklets, leaflets and postcards are available at the Royal Museum and Art Gallery, High Street, Canterbury. Tel. 01227 452747 alongside an extensive collection of his work which is not to be missed. Relying on patronage, and with a young family to feed after his first wife died young, despite the sentimental overtones which were largely dictated by the preference of his period, Cooper managed outstanding landscapes, many of which are Kentish, and to produce work a cut above the rest.

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Canterbury Theatres Marlowe Theatre Gulbenkian Theatre Cinema

Canterbury's centrally placed Marlowe Theatre on The Friars is a hub for drama, music dance and comedy in Kent. Residents from around Kent come for big shows here, the Marlowe seats just over 900. The eclectic mix of shows from frequent drama such as forthcoming Shakespeare and old favourites such as The 39 Steps to classical music concerts and ballet, the Marlowe offers something for all tastes. You can take one hour backstage tours of the theatre for a small fee. Check the Marlowe's webguide right for listings of this seasons programme.

Canterbury's second theatre as well as cinema sits with the University of Kent's campus just outside the centre off the A290 Whitstable road north. Closely connected with the university, the Gulbenkian's cinema and theatre programme is exciting indeed. Expect to find listings of cutting edge contemporary independent films on offer here, with frequent talks also offered. On the theatre side, a comedy club runs regularly on the last Wednesday of every month. Many of Edinburgh Festival's successful acts come here to the Gulbenkian, plus there's a programme of acoustic music, modern dance and more. Check the Gulbenkian's webguide right for forthcoming listings. The Gulbenkian Cafe Bar is on-site.

The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2AS. Tel. 01227 787787.

Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent at Canterbury, Canterbury, Kent,CT2 7NB. Box Office Tel. 01227 769075.

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