Maggi Hambling: Nightingale night

Explore the profound connection between nature, sound, and art in a new series by one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

This exhibition features 14 new paintings by renowned artist Maggi Hambling, inspired by a night spent in the Sussex woodland guided by folk musician and conservationist, Sam Lee. During this time, the nightingales’ haunting songs left a deep impression on Hambling, resulting in artworks that reflect the beauty and power of that moment.

Through a striking gold-on-black palette, Hambling evokes the birdsong cutting through the darkness, capturing the fleeting beauty of sound. The works reflect both the transience and power of her experience and the growing threat to nightingales due to climate change.

Hambling’s paintings explore how song, whether bird or human, can be transformed into gesture and colour. The exhibition also includes works inspired by the voices of Leonard Cohen, PJ Harvey, and Will Young, as well as a monumental piece influenced by Nick Cave.

As expressed throughout Hambling’s work, the paintings’ incredible energy will explore the delicate balance of life and death.