RUGBY ART GALLERY & MUSEUM Programme 2017

INF21 © Michael Shaw

Art Gallery . Floor One Gallery . Museum Events . Fun and Learning . Schools Visitor Centre . Shop . Café

January–June 2017

RUGBY ART GALLERY & MUSEUM FREE Admission

Sculpting the Museum Michael Shaw 28th January – 25th March Sculpting the Museum is a site specific response to the architecture and collections of Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. Michael Shaw has created a colossal site-specific inflatable that will writhe around the gallery. INF21 is a dynamic response to the architecture of the Art Gallery and in particular, its circular annex and columns. The inflatable’s size and geometry mean it is less a sculpture to be observed and more a sculpture to be experienced by moving around.

Michael has also selected objects from the Social History Collection that he felt could be artworks in their own right and then made sculptures in response. Each artefact and sculpture will be displayed together.

The selected objects reflect the industrial, man-made and functional nature of the collections at Rugby; and the town’s working heritage. Through this intervention, the sculptor hopes that viewers will come to recognise and admire the extraordinary forms wrought by the various unknown designers, craftspeople and engineers that gave being to these objects.

Michael’s approach brings new insights to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s building and collections, and offers audiences the possibility to engage with dynamic contemporary sculpture that puts a smile on the face.

Top: Sintox ceramic insulators, Social History Collection Bottom: Sugar Plum Fairy © Michael Shaw

Supported by The Oppenheim John Downes Memorial Trust

Rugby Collection 2017 13th April – 3rd June In the years after the Second World War a view emerged that art and culture could lift the spirits and wellbeing of the nation and many regional collections were established. The borough of Rugby began collecting 20th Century and contemporary British art in 1946, long before the art gallery and museum was established. The Rugby Collection now holds nearly 200 paintings, drawings, prints and film works, including many from renowned artists such as L. S. Lowry, Bridget Riley, Barbara Hepworth and Stanley Spencer.

Recent acquisitions include major film installations by Lindsey Seers and Ravi Deepres, a beautiful abstract photograph by Elizabeth McAlpine, paintings by Robert Priseman and multiple works on paper from Contemporary British Painting members.

Art Gallery

Stephen Bone, Railwaymen, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, ŠSylvester E Quentin Bone & Christina Stranger.

The Rugby Collection is not on permanent display but visitors can see a selection of works in our annual spring exhibition. This year we are presenting a selection of old favourites and lesser known works.

Visitors and researchers are also welcome to view the collection by appointment.

Units of Possibility: The Reknit Revolution Amy Twigger Holroyd 24th June – 2nd September Knitting has undergone a huge resurgence in recent years. In this exhibition designer and maker Amy Twigger Holroyd invites us into the creative world of reknitting.

This involves using knitting techniques and knowledge to repair and alter items of knitwear. These techniques, commonplace in the past, have fallen out of use in recent times. Amy aims to reverse this shift, and is keen for knitting to address the disastrous levels of waste associated with contemporary fashion. The eminently adaptable reknitting techniques exploit the inherent ‘tinkerability’ of the knitted structure and treat each individual stitch as a unit of possibility.

On display will be exhibits demonstrating reknitting techniques, along with instructional materials to support those who wish to have a go.

‘reknitting sampler jumper’ ©Amy Twigger Holroyd

Sample projects – created by Amy and local knitters – will illustrate the flexibility of the techniques, while two collections of Amy’s experimental work will provide further inspiration. Her ‘stitch-hacked’ pieces illustrate the creative possibilities which open up when individual stitches are reconfigured. Her ‘cathedral cardigans’ series, created especially for the exhibition, use sculptural embellishment and deconstruction techniques to interpret the construction details of gothic cathedrals in garment form.

Exhibitions in the Arts Development Floor One Gallery

Floor One Gallery

Exhibition dates my change slightly please check website for up-to-date information.

Arts Development also works towards making art accessible to all communities in the borough, it engages young people and brings exciting projects to Rugby. For further information, please contact ragm@rugby.gov.uk or call 01788 533223.

Arts Grants Rugby Borough Council offers annual arts grants that are aimed at artists in Rugby who engage the local community in creative activity and partnerships. The grants enable artists and creative groups to develop new ideas, initiatives and start-up projects that encourage growth, progression and expansion in the creative sector. The successful grant applicants become ambassadors of talent for Rugby, helping to play a strong role in the cultural scene of the area. For further information please visit www.rugby.gov. uk/artsgrant or email ragm@rugby.gov.uk

Floor One Gallery

Rugby Artists Exhibitions 2017 31 Dec 2016 - 12 Jan Tantalus 14 - 27 Jan Dunchurch Photographic Society 28 Jan - 9 Feb Maggie Barlow 11 - 23 Feb Rugby & District Art Society 25 Feb to 9 March Penny Andrews and Colin Ward 11 - 23 March Percival Guildhouse Society 25 March - 6 April Rugby Artists’ Group 8 - 20 April Cynthia Chandler 22 April - 4 May Association of Midland Artists 6 - 18 May Seven Artists 19 - 25 May Rugby Art Gallery and Museum celebrates ‘Night at your Museum’ 27 May - 8 June Ann Cooper 10 - 22 June Mark Gardner

Arts Development is focussed on creating opportunities for people to engage in art and culture. It supports artists and creative people within the borough of Rugby by working in partnership with Rugby Art Gallery and Museum to offer free advice, networking opportunities and access to local grants.

Rose and Castle Morris, Festival of Culture 2016

The Floor One Gallery is a hireable exhibition space on the first floor of the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. Floor One Gallery is a purpose built, light and airy space, dedicated to artists for self-organised exhibitions of visual art, craft and media. For a small fee, hirers can use the 17.75 linear metres of wall space. Every six months we invite artists on our email list to apply for dates.

We welcome applications from Warwickshire and beyond. Contact us for more details on (01788) 533201 or ragm@rugby.gov.uk

The Archaeology Gallery Discover Rugby’s Roman History

Strategically positioned on the Roman road of Watling Street, the settlement was initially a military post but later became a civilian town.

Tripontium was inhabited for nearly 400 years before being abandoned in the late 4th century.

The town was then lost to history before being rediscovered by local historian and antiquarian Matthew Bloxam in 1836.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that an excavation of the site began when Rugby Archaeological Society took up the challenge. Excavations were continued over a forty-year period revealing a remarkable collection of finds, many of which are now displayed in our purpose built Tripontium exhibit on the second floor.

Experience Roman Life Explore market stalls on a street in Tripontium and discover how the Romans lived and what they ate and wore. See for yourself some of the objects they left behind – such as jewellery, coins, pottery and ironwork.

Explore archaeology now Rugby Art Gallery and Museum is host to a constantly changing collection of exciting archaeological finds and exhibits.

Imagine yourself as an archaeologist handling real artefacts. Or take yourself back in time and dress up in Roman-style clothing.

Archaeology Gallery - Roman market stall

Over 2000 years ago Romans built a settlement five miles northeast of where Rugby is today.

They named it Tripontium, meaning “the place of three bridges”.

Social History Gallery Our Sporting Life

British Thomson Houston and Whittle

28th January – 25th March From angling to swimming, we look back at clubs and individuals who have taken part in sports in the Borough. This exhibition will include trophies, photographs, medals and programmes from the Social History Collection.

Also on display 60 Years of ‘The Valley’ Rugby’s senior football club was formed by a group of New Bilton teenagers. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first ever competitive match played by Valley Sports (now known as Rugby Town FC) we will showcase memorabilia from its history, kindly lent by the club. Featured will be items from their FA Vase victory at Wembley Stadium on 30 April 1983 and profiles of the manager Jimmy Knox and goal scorer Ian Crawley.

15th April – 3rd June Rugby has a long and distinguished engineering heritage. The expertise and innovations created in the factories of British Thomson Houston (BTH), Willans Works and Lodge Plugs have influenced everyday life, allowing us to fly in a jet plane, power a ship or start a car. In April 1937 Frank Whittle tested the first jet engine at BTH works in Leicester Road, Rugby. To mark 80 years since this historic event we take a look at the museum’s social history collection relating to the company.

Music in Rugby 24th June – 2nd September This exhibition is a celebration of all things musical in Rugby Borough. We explore past musicians, choirs and orchestras in the town through photographs, programmes and instruments from the museum’s Social History Collections.

Also on display Rugby Philharmonic Choir’s 150th Anniversary

Museum

Rugby Town Silver Band photograph (detail), Social History Collection

Gilbert advert from 1950s football league booklet

From its early beginnings to present day this display features programmes, photographs and other important memorabilia from Rugby Philharmonic Choir members charting the choir’s 150-year history.

Fun and Learning Night at Your Museum Friday 19 May 2017, 5.45pm - 9.30pm Lift Off for Space Exploration

Little Discoveries - Mini Artists

ÂŁ2 per person Our spectacular and popular event is back! Space themed activities and experiences during this exciting and interactive event. Suitable for the whole family. Tickets will be available from April.

Thursdays 10.15am - 11.15am and 11.30am 12.30pm Your mini artist can get creative and messy using a range of exciting materials and techniques.

Each week there will be a crafty item to make and take home, plus story-telling, musical instruments, dressing up and much more.

Booking is required. ÂŁ30 for six weeks. For further information please call 01788 533224.

Little Discoveries - Mini Explorers

School Holiday Activities

Every Tuesday 11am - 12pm FREE

Fun filled activities, treasure hunts, workshops and drop in sessions run every school holiday.

Our programme of holiday activities is suitable for all ages. Children can take part in arts and craft linked to our collections and exhibitions. For full details www.ragm.co.uk or call 01788 533201

Mini explorers will love these free weekly sessions where they can rummage through our activity baskets, enjoy dressing up, get arty with colour and listen to a story. Suitable for 2 to 5 years olds.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Little Discoveries

Birthday Party Fun

For more information please call 01788 533224

Schools

Magic Carpet Ride - Suitable for Key Stage 1 This animated and informative adventure through the town of Rugby highlights the key events that have made Rugby the town it is today. These sessions involve audience participation, dressing up, drama and of course historical facts that will really capture the student’s imagination.

Roman Britain Workshop These two hour workshops are tailored to support the study of the Roman Empire and the impact it had on modern Britain.

Art Workshops Discover the current exhibition in our gallery, show casing various contemporary artists alongside museum objects. Schools are welcome to lead selfguided groups around the Gallery or can book one of Educational Facilitators to lead one of our popular art based workshops.

World Rugby Hall of Fame Workshops New and engaging workshops suitable for all key stages. These include: • Wear it with Pride - Evolution of the shirt. How has the rugby shirt changed?

• On the Ball - where and how balls were made this includes a ball stitching activity.

Children can dress up like a Roman and explore the stalls in our new Roman market place, helping them to imagine just what Roman Britain might have been like.

Experienced facilitators will bring the market to life using real artefacts discovered just five miles North of Rugby in a settlement called Tripontium .

• The Spirit of the Games in the birthplace.

Students can discover the origins of the game and the core values and can take part in a group activity to make a banner.

Children will be given the opportunity to become an archaeologist handling real Roman artefacts and learning what these objects tell us about the past.

Take the museum to your class room with our loan boxes and education packs. Choose from Romans, Victorians, World War II and Rugby through the ages.

For a whole day of Roman exploration children can take part in the Roman Britain workshop in the morning, followed by a Roman craft workshop in the afternoon. Children will make a Roman inspired mosaic brooch, sandal, or piece of pottery.

For more information about our educational resources or visits, contact us on 01788 533208

Education Loan Boxes

Screenprinting

For more information about our educational resources or visits, contact us on 01788 533201.

Events, Activities and Schools

We offer a wide variety of resources for schools and colleges. All visits can be individually tailored to specific needs. Choose from a range of packages including Rugby’s social history, Roman Britain, modern art and rugby football. Fees apply.

Meeting Room Hire

Birthday Parties

Looking for an unusual, well equipped and If you are looking for a birthday party with a conveniently located venue for your next meeting difference then Rugby Art Gallery and Museum is or function? Then Rugby Art Gallery and Museum the perfect venue for your child’s next party. offers something different.

Choose from four exciting themes: Located in the heart of Rugby town centre, Rugby’s Rotten Romans (suitable for over 5s) our venue offers a modern, light and inspiring alternative to typical meeting facilities. We have Crafty Creations (Suitable for over 5s) two highly flexible and accessible spaces suitable for meetings, presentations and workshops.

Teddy Bears Picnic (Suitable for over 3s) Both spaces offer the following facilities:

Toot Toot Trains (Suitable for over 3s)

•

Rooms configured to meet your needs

All parties include:

•

Projector and screen

•

A fun and interactive session

•

Wireless internet access

•

•

Flooded with natural light

A private space for your group to eat your own party food

•

In-house café

•

Water and squash for the children

•

Additional catering on request

•

Two members of staff to ensure parents can sit back and relax

•

Party games and a crafty make for each child to take home

•

Party invites, LED candles

Our Meeting Room can seat up to 40, while our Education Room also provides a sink and facilities for ‘messy’, hands-on workshops for up to 16 people.

Competitive rates with reduced rates available for local community, charitable and education groups.

Please contact us on 01788 533201, ragm@rugby.gov.uk to discuss your needs.

Prices start from £115 for 10 children.

For more information or to book please call 01788 533201 or email ragm@rugby.gov.uk

Information Full access for people with disabilities Baby changing facilities.

Pay and display parking is available in front of the building.

Please call to confirm an event or exhibition is taking place before visiting.

Opening Times Tue - Fri Sat Bank Holiday Sun & Mon

10am - 5pm 10am - 4pm 12noon - 4pm Closed

Visitor Information Centre, Shop and Cafe Our brand new visitor centre, shop and Chefs Kitchen Downtown Café is located within the foyer of the building.

Our friendly team can help with information on local attractions, events and services and provide a booking service for accommodation. The information centre also serves as a ticket office for National Express, various coach operators, Ticketmaster and local events.

The Visitor Centre Shop is the perfect place to buy a unique gift from the birthplace of the game and also offers a range of high quality gifts and souvenirs relating to Rugby’s art and museum collections.

Keep in touch Rugby Art Gallery and Museum Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ T: (01788) 533201 E: ragm@rugby.gov.uk W: www.ragm.co.uk

The Chefs Kitchen Downtown Café serves a range of delicious hot and cold meals.

Opening times for the café are: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm Saturday: 09.00-15.30 Sunday: Closed

@rugbygallery

For information, including opening times and to request a visitor guide, contact (01788) 533217, visitor.centre@rugby.gov.uk, or visit www.therugbytown.co.uk

RAGM

Join our Mailing List To receive updates by email or post about our exhibitions and events call 01788 533201 or email ragm@rugby.gov.uk

Crown Copyright and Database Rights 2013.

Ordnance Survey 100019417

Also home to World Rugby Hall of Fame, see www.therugbytown.co.uk/halloffame for details.

For a large print version of this leaflet please telephone (01788) 533201