This exhibition features Sorrell's 1962 commission for The Illustrated London News, documenting archaeological treasures from Nubia, a region in southern Egypt and northern Sudan. These works captured iconic sites like Abu Simbel at a time when many were at risk of being submerged during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. This is the first major display of his rare Nubian works in over 25 years.

Sorrell's artistic journey began locally at the Southend Municipal School of Art, where he developed the skills that earned him a scholarship to the Royal College of Art. During World War II, he served as an official war artist, producing works that recorded the human and physical landscapes of the conflict. After the war, Sorrell became renowned for his historical reconstructions, illustrating sites such as Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall in exquisite detail. His ability to bring history to life has left a lasting impact on both art and archaeology.

Download the exhibition's Gallery Guide here