Gainsborough's Sudbury: self-guided town trail
Sat, 05 Sept
|Sudbury
Follow the trail around Thomas Gainsborough’s Sudbury and walk in the footsteps of the 18th century master of portrait and landscape painting. Travel back in time to height of the silk and weaving industry as you pass the historic houses and production centres of wealthy merchants and clothiers.
Time & Location
05 Sept 2020, 07:00 – 31 Dec 2020, 16:00
Sudbury, Sudbury CO10, UK
About the Event
Explore Sudbury in Gainsborough's footsteps! This is a self guided trail to be enjoyed year round. Download your free map and guide below.
DOWNLOAD GAINSBOROUGH'S SUDBURY MAP & INFO HERE
Enjoy 3 hours free parking in Sudbury, 7 days a week. Take a look at our guide here.
Leaving the car at home? Travel to Sudbury by train, bus, bike or if your're more local the walking routes are some of the best in the country! Take a look on Suffolk on Board for public transport to Sudbury.
Get in touch with Sudbury's Tourist Information Team here and ensure you make the most of your trip to Sudbury! We look forward to welcoming you.
Sudbury has many independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs if you are looking for well deserved refreshment while you're exploring Sudbury. Take a look at our guide for places to eat and drink in town here.
A good place to start your Town Trail is in the centre of town on Market Hill where you can't miss our iconic Gainsborough Statue:
Thomas Gainsborough was officially commemorated as Sudbury’s most famous native son in 1913 with the unveiling of the artist’s monumental 8' 6" bronze statue on Market Hill. Designed by Bertram Mackennal and presented by HRH Princess Louise, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, in Sudbury on 10th June, Gainsborough is depicted as an artist, palette in hand, standing on a base of Portland stone. A bronze relief below shows a woman playing a violin, an allusion to Gainsborough’s own love of music. Standing in the shadow of St Peter’s Church, the statue gazes down towards the artist’s birthplace and Gainsborough’s House museum.
What’s There? Sudbury is still home to one of Suffolk’s oldest local markets. Stop by Market Hill every Thursday and Saturday to find a variety of fresh, seasonal produce. More on Sudbury Market here.
