Different Strokes: The Local Paintings of Bob Rhodes and the Life of Captain Matthew Webb
- 23rd Jul - 2nd Nov 2025
- 11am - 3pm (check seasonal opening dates and hours below)
- Coalbrookdale Gallery, behind the Museum of Iron
- Free event
Different Strokes: The Local Paintings of Bob Rhodes and the Life of Captain Matthew Webb explores the legacy of two local men.
Bob Rhodes (1946–2017), a talented artist from Sheffield, moved to Ironbridge in 1978, and lived and worked in the Gorge for nearly four decades. The exhibition features 40 of his paintings, which have been bequeathed to the Trust. His paintings offer an extraordinary visual record of the landscape, architecture and identity of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale, and provide a unique perspective on the Gorge’s post-industrial heritage.
The exhibition also tells the story of local man Captain Matthew Webb (1848–1883) who, 150 years ago on 25 August 1875, became the first man to swim the Channel. Captain Webb was born in Dawley and later lived in Coalbrookdale. On display will be several personal objects once belonging to Captain Webb, including the trunks he is believed to have worn for his pioneering swim and locally produced commemorative items celebrating his legacy as a pioneering long-distance swimmer and national hero.
Seasonal opening dates and hours
This free exhibition is subject to seasonal opening hours:
Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 31 August: open 7 days a week, 11am to 3pm
Monday 1 September to Friday 24 October: open 5 days a week, Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm
Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November: open 7 days a week, 11am to 3pm
PASS PLUS holders and Friends of IGMT can park in our IGMT car park for free when attending this event by validating their PASS PLUS at the front desk when they arrive.
Sign up to our mailing list
Register your email with us and we’ll keep you up-to-date with news, events and offers.