Celebrate the opening of ‘Edward Bawden – Snails for All’ a new exhibition at The Higgins Bedford running from 23rd May 2026 – 13th June 2027.

Inspired by curator research into the wonderfully eccentric British Snail Watching Society, the exhibition explores Edward Bawden’s fascination with snails and the curious world surrounding them. Originally founded as a joke in 1945, the society quickly became a passionate champion of molluscs, adopting the motto Semper Domi “always at home” and even organising snail races, believing horse racing ended far too quickly by comparison.

When Bawden’s book on snails appeared in Pavillion magazine, society founder Peter Henniker Heaton wrote to congratulate him and award him honorary Corresponding Membership “in recognition of services to the cause of the snail.” Bawden treasured the letter enough to paste it into his sketchbook, now held at The Fry Art Gallery.

Visitors can discover Bawden’s charming snail illustrations and related works in this free exhibition at The Higgins Bedford.