Charles Debenham in Colchester

Charles Debenham (1933–2026)

Celebrate the life and work of Charles Debenham, the much-loved East Anglian artist who captured the character of Colchester for seven decades.

Born and educated in Colchester, Charles found inspiration in the town’s streets, buildings and people. Often seen painting on street corners, he recorded the architectural quirks, everyday encounters and gentle humour that made his home town distinctive.

This exhibition celebrates an artist whose deep connection to Colchester shaped a lifetime of work. A regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy, the RWA and the South West Academy, Charles’s paintings are held in collections locally and internationally, including the Minories’ permanent collection.