Watford art exhibition celebrates River Colne at Pump House

The River Colne Art Exhibition, currently on display at the Pump House Arts Centre’s Tina Lake Café, draws inspiration from the river that runs through Watford, exploring its impact on the town’s environment, wildlife, and community identity.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Cllr Ian Stotesbury at the exhibition event (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The collection includes painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media pieces, with each work exploring the river’s ecological significance and connection to those who live nearby.

The exhibition opened with a launch event attended by residents, artists, and community partners, who gathered to hear Watford mayor Peter Taylor and Councillor Ian Stotesbury, with responsibility for transport and sustainability, both praising the exhibition’s creative energy and its role in bringing the community together.

The mayor said: “The River Colne is at the heart of our town’s identity and this exhibition reminds us just how deeply it inspires people. Each piece of art captures something unique about the river, from its beauty and wildlife to the way it has shaped our community over time.

“It shows how much the Colne means to people in their everyday lives. I’m delighted to see our community come together to celebrate it and to think about how we can continue caring for it in the future.”

Some of the work on display at the River Colne Art Exhibition at The Pump House in Watford (Image: Simon Jacobs)

Cllr Stotesbury said: “This exhibition is a wonderful showcase of creativity and environmental pride. It not only highlights the incredible talent we have in our community but also encourages all of us to think more deeply about the future of the River Colne and our responsibility to protect it.

“The artists’ reflections on sustainability and conservation are powerful reminders of the role we each play in safeguarding our natural environment. I encourage everyone to visit the Pump House and discover a side of the River Colne they may never have noticed before.”

The exhibition is part of a wider effort to raise awareness of the Colne’s ecological importance and the work happening locally to restore and protect this valuable natural asset.

Visitors are invited to view the exhibition in the relaxed setting of the Tina Lake Café, where they are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of the river through the eyes of others.

The River Colne Art Exhibition is free to attend and will remain open until April 17, 2026. For more information and opening times, visit www.rivercolnewatford.co.uk/art-exhitibion.