Fordingbridge has enjoyed significant connections with the art world, most notably through two prominent figures who lived and worked in the town, albeit in different eras and styles.
Arguably Fordingbridge’s most famous resident, Augustus Edwin John, was a Welsh painter, draughtsman, and etcher who rose to become one of Britain's leading portrait artists in the early 20th century.
Virginia Woolf remarked that by 1908, "The age of Augustus John was dawning".
Born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, John established a formidable reputation, particularly for his portraits, which were known for their psychological insight, sometimes deemed 'cruel' for their unflinching honesty.
His fame peaked in the 1920s, during which he painted numerous distinguished contemporaries, including TE Lawrence, Thomas Hardy, WB Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw.
John's connection with Fordingbridge was profound and long-lasting. He moved to the town in 1927 and lived there until his death in 1961.
His home, Fryern Court, became known as an "open house for travelling artists", suggesting his presence fostered a creative atmosphere.
He continued painting right up until his death at his Fordingbridge home, leaving behind a vast body of work.
He is buried locally in Fordingbridge Cemetery.
Despite his artistic renown, John was often described as a "controversial figure" within Fordingbridge. This stemmed largely from his unconventional and bohemian lifestyle.
He had a lifelong fascination with Romani ("Gypsy") culture, learning their language, travelling with his family in a caravan for a time, and owning his own traditional gypsy wagon, also known as a vardo.
This interest extended to advocacy; as president of the Gypsy Lore Society from 1937 until his death, he actively fought for the rights of New Forest gypsies to travel and settle freely.
His deep connection was reciprocated. Forest gypsies reportedly regarded him as their king, affectionately calling him "Sir Gustus".
This passionate involvement with a marginalised group, combined with his bohemian ways, likely created friction alongside admiration within the more conventional town society.
His presence therefore, represented a significant cultural injection, bringing international artistic fame while simultaneously challenging local norms.
Augustus John's legacy remains visible in Fordingbridge.
A Grade II-listed bronze statue, created by Ivor Roberts-Jones between 1964-67, stands prominently on the banks of the River Avon near the Great Bridge, commemorating his life and connection to the town.
Further cementing his local association, the former Railway Hotel was renamed 'The Augustus John' in his honour, although it has since reverted to The Railway Hotel following refurbishment.
The Fordingbridge Museum also holds an exhibition dedicated to this complex and celebrated former resident, and his life continues to be a subject of local historical interest.
Continuing Fordingbridge's artistic connections into the contemporary era is Paul Kidby.
Born in 1964, Kidby is an established artist who currently lives and works in Fordingbridge.
He is best known internationally for his detailed and imaginative artwork based on Sir Terry Pratchett's phenomenally popular Discworld fantasy novel series.
Kidby's residency ensures that Fordingbridge maintains a link to the creative arts, albeit through the distinct genre of fantasy illustration rather than the traditional portraiture associated with Augustus John.
The presence of two such well-regarded artists, one historical and one contemporary, suggests that the town and its surrounding New Forest environment may hold a particular appeal or provide a conducive atmosphere for creative work, fostering a continuity of artistic association across different generations and styles.
