Constable-an artist's life

Flatford was at the heart of Constable's childhood and early years. He returned regularly painting scenes from the Stour valley throughout his life.

John Constable's childhood rattle
Flatford   Suffolk

Constable's Childhood

Early education

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John Constable-Self Portrait
Flatford   Suffolk

Working Life

Delve into the working life of John Constable and discover how he perfected and demonstrated his formidable artistic talent.

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John Constable's wife Maria
Flatford   Suffolk

Constable in Love

John Constable fell in love with Maria Bicknell, the daughter of Charles Bicknell, a successful London solicitor. After a seven year secret courtship, John and Maria eventually married in 1816, in St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London. None of the Constable or Bicknell family attended. John Constable was aged 40 and Maria was 28.

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The Older John Constable
Flatford   Suffolk

Later Years

John Constable was travelling from Suffolk back to London in a horse-drawn coach when he first heard Dedham Vale described as 'Constable's Country'.

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