Explore the life of the outstanding British artist closely connected to Benjamin Britten, in this fascinating documentary screened at the historic Aldeburgh Cinema.

Best known for his picturesque architectural and landscape paintings, John Piper was also one of Britain's leading abstract artists during the 1930s. He was part of Britten and Pears' creative circle, and they worked together for over a quarter of a century, including on designs for Britten's most famous operas.

Film created by Goldmark

An exhibition of John Piper's work will be in Snape Maltings Concert Hall Gallery and Foyer for the duration of the Festival.

Visitors will also be able to see Piper's set model for Britten's opera Billy Budd at The Red House, Aldeburgh.

You can visit John Piper's stunning stained-glass window memorial to Benjamin Britten at Aldeburgh Church. The finale of the Britten Song Trail takes place at the Church on 14 June.

About John Piper CH

Born in Surrey, John Piper studied at the Royal College of Art in London from 1926 to 1928. He is best known for his paintings, which are often in the romantic tradition of William Blake and J.M.W. Turner. However, during the mid- to late-1930s he was one of Britain's leading abstract artists. Piper worked as an Official War Artist in 1944, recording damage caused by bombing. In the 1950s he branched out, creating designs for stained glass, pottery, textiles and stage sets as well as writing on art and architecture.

About Aldeburgh Cinema

The cinema is one of the oldest continuously running cinema houses in the United Kingdom. Located a stone's throw from Aldeburgh Beach, it has been at the heart of the community for over 100 years. The Cinema was rescued from closure in the 1960s by the determination of remarkable individuals, including Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, who devoted time and money to ensuring the little town of Aldeburgh still has its own cinema to this day.