Visual art has been an important part of the Aldeburgh Festival since its inception. It was Britten and Pears’ belief that it should feature alongside the music, hence the full title Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts. From the stage sets, to works shown in spaces in and around Snape Maltings, art has been married to the musical experience.

Ever since Snape Maltings Concert Hall was created in 1967 artists have exhibited and installed work throughout the site, notably pieces by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Tracey Emin, Gary Hume and Sarah Lucas.

With its simple, light interior and stunning views of the marshes from a small inside writing platform, the Dovecote Studio was created particularly for composers, writers and visual artists to work in.