My car needed it’s annual service and more importantly, as they valet it, it also gets its annual wash, so we whizzed into Wolverhampton yesterday to drop it off at the garage. While it was done, we popped to the Art Gallery to see what was on display. It’s been quite a while since we visited and the main foyer and staircase is having a revamp, but there was still plenty to see.
We really enjoyed The Art of Drawing. You know we’re big fans of drawing, and it’s good to see how other people approach it. In the room were historical drawings from the Gallery collection, plus work by contemporary artists and school children. We loved how they hung the work Academy style and mixed together the famous artists with the students. You know what? Sometimes it was hard to tell the two apart!
Below: Glen Glass, Scotland, Henry Bright, 1830-1873
Above: Eye, Amelia Payton, (age 14).
I was delighted to find a drawing by Bridget MacDonald who’s one of my favourites. This was a large charcoal drawing behind glass and impossible to photograph because of the reflections so do look her up for better images. I love charcoal and the depth she achieves, loads of atmosphere, but it’s not heavy or overworked.
In the Gallery space was a large table with paper and pencils provided. Children, or anyone for that matter, could draw and add their work to the walls. I don’t know about you, but I’m all for this inclusive approach in galleries. They’re no longer the stuffy places they once were and a little audience participation is always a good thing.
Amelie dived right in and made her drawing and pegged it straight on the wall.
At the other end of the space was a still life set up in a cabinet surrounded by easels. I admit I was quite tempted, but unfortunately there wasn’t time to have a go this visit. We’ll soon be back though, coming soon is The Natural History Museum exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year. For more information about the Gallery and what’s on please visit their website:
http://www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
Love Laura
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