One of the town’s most renowned artists is set to be honoured with a landmark exhibition celebrating his life and work.

Opening on Saturday (October 18) at the National Civil War Centre and Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery, this extraordinary showcase will offer visitors a rare and inspiring journey through the creative legacy of Robert Kiddey.

Running until February 2026, the exhibition is the largest collection of Kiddey’s works ever displayed in Newark, bringing together a stunning array of pieces that span his prolific career, many of which have never been seen by the public.

Among the highlights is the newly conserved masterpiece, “Death of The First Born,” which will be on public display for the very first time, as well as a generous loan of items from Newark College, whose support has helped bring this project to fruition.

Born in Nottingham in 1900, Robert Kiddey trained at the Nottingham School of Art from the age of 14, going on to exhibit at the Royal Academy in London and the Salon in Paris.

He shared space with some of the most significant figures in 20th-century art, including Picasso and Epstein.

He settled in Newark after serving in the first world war and went on to teach at the newly opened Technical College. Kiddey’s dedication to his craft and his community made him not only a remarkable artist, but also a beloved local figure whose legacy continues to inspire.

Visitors can expect a rich and immersive experience across both venues, with a programme of events to accompany the exhibition, including a family-friendly creative day, Spooky Shadows and Pocket Portraits, on November 1 at the National Civil War Centre, and a Sketch Book and Drawing Workshop for adults on January 17 2026 at Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery.

The programme will conclude with In Conversation: Robert Kiddey, My Uncle on 11 February 2026, offering a personal perspective from the artist’s niece, Lindah Kiddey.

The exhibition is the result of a new partnership between Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark Town Hall Museum.

Rowan Cozens, deputy leader and portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to host this exhibition in partnership with Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery.

“Robert Kiddey’s work is a vital part of Newark’s cultural identity, and this showcase is a fitting tribute to his talent, his passion, and his enduring connection to our town. I hope that as many people as possible take this unique opportunity to see his work like it’s never been seen before.”

Matthew Gleadell, town clerk of Newark Town Council said “We have welcomed working in partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council to bring together the largest exhibition of Robert Kiddey’s artwork to Newark, the town he made home.

“For the first time, we are having a temporary exhibition at both Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery and Newark Civil War Centre – Newark Museum. This takes a lot of work behind the scenes, and we are delighted to have been recognised nationally by being shortlisted for a Midlands Museum Development Award 2025.”