Romani New Forest Exhibition Features Alan Langford Artworks
Artist Alan Langford will have work included in a Romany Heritage show in Boldre, on the edge of the New Forest. The Romani New Forest exhibition features several Alan Langford artworks covering Romany life across five centuries.
Exhibition schedule and venues
The main display runs from 22nd to 25th May 2026 at Boldre War Memorial Hall. The exhibition then moves to Thorney Hill Community Centre from 30th May to 1st June 2026.
- Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley Street, Pilley, Lymington SO41 5QG.
- Thorney Hill Community Centre, Burley Road, Thorney Hill, Bransgore BH23 8DQ.
What visitors will see
The show includes around 800 images. The collection centres on the Gypsy Compounds established in 1926.
It traces roughly 500 years of Romany Gypsy life in the area. Historic photos include a 1927 New Forest camp.
Context: the Compounds and local history
The 1926 Compound system forced many Romany families into settled sites across the New Forest. The exhibition examines the social and cultural impact of that policy.
One featured image shows the Wells family at Shave Green compound during the 1960s. That photo is credited to Jack Loveland.
Venue and visitor information
Boldre War Memorial Hall opened in June 2000. It sits beside St Nicholas Chapel in the village of Pilley, near Lymington, Hampshire.
There are two pubs near the hall and a village store attached to the building. Organisers recommend booking for meals during busy sessions.
About Alan Langford
Alan Langford is a freelance artist and illustrator. He now specialises in equestrian painting, especially horses.
Langford began his career in comics. He self-published the graphic novel The Secret of the Aesir in 2020.
- He has produced comic strips such as “Doomed Covenant”.
- He created a nine-foot mural for a 2026 charity event at Furzey Gardens, Minstead.
- He has appeared at events including Gosport Comic Con at Beacon Arts Centre.
Upcoming appearances
Langford will be a guest at Fighting Fantasy Fest VI. That event takes place at the University of West London, Ealing, on 5th September 2026.
Sir Ian Livingstone is among the other confirmed guests. Further details will appear via the Fighting Fantasy website and social channels.
The Secret of the Aesir
The Secret of the Aesir is set in the 8th century AD, in northern Scandinavia. The story blends science fiction with Viking mythology.
The book follows Viking warriors discovering a mystery older than the Aesir and Odin. Little Knoll Press sells copies for £12, with signed editions available.
The Secret of the Aesir is also on sale via major online retailers in the UK.
Further information and contacts
Find Alan Langford online at www.alanlangford.co.uk and thesecretoftheaesir.com. The comic strip “Doomed Covenant” has been published with Langford’s permission on downthetubes.
Filmogaz.com will carry updates and practical visitor information before the exhibition opens. Attendees are encouraged to check for final details nearer the dates.
