Inspired by Benton End

In autumn 2024, a group of artists, invited by Dominica Yannaghas and supported by the Benton End team, began visiting the historic and storied Benton End, united by their admiration for Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines. They became the Inspired by Benton End artists.

The group—comprising Dominica Yannaghas, Talitha Hart, Lynne Campen, Annabel Ridley, Sarah Figlio, Judith Glover, Caroline Fish, and Rebecca Moss Guyver —met monthly to “walk in the footsteps” of Morris and Lett-Haines at the site of the East Anglian School of Painting. They drew, painted, observed, and exchanged ideas inspired by the house, garden, and the artists’ legacy. Last weekend we raised an exhibition to mark the beginning of our shared creative journey.

Cedric’s Tea Tray, egg tempera on panel, 30 x 36 cm, March 2025

I bought the tea tray quite a few years ago at the Needham Market car boot.
When I was reading about Cedric and looking at his paintings, making colour studies after them and wandering around the East Anglian School of painting’s premises, there was a particular blue that made me think of the name ‘Cedric’ and it was that tea tray, faded and bleached by the years. Perhaps it had been Cedric’s, I imagined? The pinecone is from Benton End and of course Cedric loved flowers and birds.

An interested viewer looking at my wall.

Putting together an exhibition is hard work but made so much easier when doing it with friends. Here I am with the BRILLIANT Caroline Fish!

Teaming up with the Inspired by Benton End Artists, learning about Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines and the East Anglian School of painting and being in the space they once filled with imagery and ideas has been a new experience that has been influencing my work.

Sometimes it’s a Séance

Rebecca Moss Guyver