April 1–November 2, 2025
In 2025, Portsmouth Historical Society will present “Winds of Change,” a retrospective of the work of Cabot Lyford (1925–2016). Lyford’s experimental approach to different materials and his advocacy of environmental and political issues through his art will resonate with viewers as much now as it did in the 20th century.
Creativity & Experimentation
While best known for his works in granite, Lyford explored such varied media as watercolor and gouache, slate, wood, aluminum, bronze, acrylic, and laminated and fiber glass and plywood, as well as varying his style from abstract to realist to surrealist. Our programs and workshops will encourage all to embrace the unexpected and turn “mistakes” into new avenues of creativity.
Advocacy Through Art
Lyford dared to confront complex and difficult issues with his sculpture and always tried to advocate as well as create. Art impacts the way we view complex issues like war and ecology. This exhibition will illustrate the profound impact that public art can have on a community, a region, and a country.
Exhibition Events
Young Artists Contest
Accepting Submissions through May 31
Curator Tours
Every First Friday
12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Collaboration with New Hampshire Art Association
We are proud to announce we our continued collaboration with NHAA and artists across New Hampshire. This fall, we will open a call for art that will fill our balcony gallery with a contemporary response to “Winds of Change.”
Exhibition Catalogue
Take home this exhibition catalogue, which brings together a wide array of public and private works made by this prolific New England artist.
This catalogue includes a treasure trove of documents and photographs preserved by Lyford’s family and places Lyford’s art into the context of public sculpture in Portsmouth. Included are some eighty illustrated examples of his finest work that provide the first rounded look at Cabot Lyford.
Thank you to our sponsors
Dan Brown Giving Fund
Doug Nelson, Sunpointe Investments
Bob Thoresen, in memory of Sue Thoresen
This exhibit looks amazing, one of my favorite sculptors and I didn’t realize he painted as well. What an inspiration! Thank you.
We’re looking forward to the show, too! Stay tuned for more details!