day out

 During the easter holidays we went by train to a nearby art gallery and museum. We had a great day. I thought I would share some pics.  Initially we did a free workshop making vehicles from plastic bottles. Then we had our picnic and went upstairs.  This museum describes itself as child friendly.  That is so true.  In each room the staff were friendly and kind.  There were things you were allowed to touch, examine and play with in each room we went into.  And it was all free! Museums  are very different to how they were when I was a child.

There is a sculpture room where you can touch everything.

There was an exhibition on about the Joy of Making (it has finished now).  I really enjoyed it though I had the impresssion it was curated by either one multiple personality person or a group who didn't quite agree.  It featured lots of interested bits and went off on lots of tangents.  The common factor was the act of making and the value in psychological terms of making to well being.  So there were Polish papercuts:

polish papercuts

These Polish papercuts are beautiful and very inspiring - they make me think that bit of folk art applique would be fun.

Artist Helen Snell was inspired by the polish papercuts.  Her 3d papercuts are laser cut from her drawings.  They were amazing to see all grouped together and beautifully lit.  My photos don't do them justice.  If you ever see an advert for her work, go and see it in the flesh.



Then the next room was more about making as therapy, and crafts. 

Wooden toys made by local patients in hospital

Little I joined in the weaving. 

There was a display of art /making as therapy objects.  Then there were a few objects fromthe archives related to sewing and how people used to make.

A folding needle case from 1900.

Rocket Girl is asleep in the pram.  Please note nappy bag in action!

Next to her is a sofa with objects and leaflets that touched upon the current trend for crafting.  I picked up an info sheet on felting. In the basket by the pram is a large piece of knitting made from old plastic bags.  Are you starting to see why this exhibition was so all over the place? 

I love this photo.  Little I is listening to the story of the teddy bear.  He was made in 1943 for a little girl by her dad.  She is reminscing on the tape about the making of the bear.  How great is that?   I know I am still hormonal because just the thought of this story made me cry!  Ah, how I used to scoff at people who cried easily. 



I did really enjoy the Joy of Making exhibition despite the lack of cohesiveness.  I just wanted to see more of some things.  Back in the lobby of the museum is this sculpture of Richard Jobson made by David Mach is made out of wire coat hangers. 1,850 coat hangars to be exact. This fascinated T. And me - it is making a three dimensional shape from lots of two dimensional objects. Very clever. If you know who Richard Jobson is then maybe you were around in the 1980s. Or you are scottish. Or both.

 

 Finally a slightly freaky photo from the 18th century room.  Dressing up as a georgian lady.