Exhibition & Events Guide Feb - May 2012

Exhibitions & Events Guide February – May 2012

FREE ENTRY

A Preston City Council Service

Fine Art Gallery

Contents / Page No.

Exhibition in Focus 04 Exhibitions 05 Our Collections 07 For Families 09 Events Diary 10 For Young People 12 Get Involved 13 Visitor Information 14 Mailing List 15

Located in the heart of Preston’s city centre, the Harris Museum & Art Gallery is housed in a beautiful Grade I listed building. You’ll discover something new each time you visit – we have remarkable collections and exhibitions of fine art, history, contemporary art, costume and textiles, decorative art and photography.

You’ll also find a vibrant programme of events and activities all year round. Pop in for half an hour, or stay all day – there’s a café and gift shop, and entry is free.

This Spring we’ve plenty of halfterm and Easter activities to keep young ones busy (pages 10-11), and don’t miss our latest exhibition, A Private Affair: Personal Collections of Contemporary Art, which takes a look at the stories and people behind collections and collecting.

We’re gearing up for both the launch of our new history gallery, Discover Preston, this summer, and the 2012 Preston Guild celebrations in September. Watch this space for details later in the year!

For in-depth information on all exhibitions and events plus the latest news, visit our website www.harrismuseum.org.uk

Cover image: Gordon Cheung, Neon Shadows (study), 2006 Courtesy the artist and Elspeth & Imogen Turner Collection.

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Exhibitions & Events Guide

February – May 2012

Exhibition in Focus

A Private Affair: Personal Collections of Contemporary Art 28 January – 5 May In 2012, we present a major exhibition series focusing on the people and the stories behind collections – from private collectors to those individuals whose donations and vision founded museum collections such as the Harris’ for the enjoyment of all.

Firstly, A Private Affair tells the personal stories behind private collections of contemporary art asking; why do people collect contemporary art, what influences decisions on collecting, and how does it affect or enhance their lives?

The artworks are on loan from private collectors in the North of England, who have generously agreed to live without some of their favourite items for a while.

The exhibition highlights a strong interest in supporting artists and the fascinating journeys undertaken by the collectors. A Private Affair demonstrates a variety of artistic styles from the past 40 years, and includes artists of regional and national importance.

In the summer, A Public Affair will celebrate 130 years of fine art collecting by the Harris. The exhibition will chart the growth of the Harris collection, changing tastes, and the enduring principles of the founders in acquiring new works by artists of the day.

Photograph by Simon Critchley

www.harrismuseum.org.uk

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Exhibitions Global Threads: Asian Textiles & Fashion Today

The Shepherd Library at 250

Until 30 June

Until 9 June

Global Threads is an exciting fashion exhibition co-curated by young people.

It mixes historic South Asian textiles with today’s catwalk, high street and student fashions.

250 years ago the Shepherd Library was donated to Preston. To mark this occasion we are displaying some of these amazing rare books around the building to celebrate the library and its benefactor, the Preston doctor Richard Shepherd (1694-1761).

Join us at one of our events developed by and aimed at young people - such as a music showcase for local bands and DJs inspired by the sounds of our cotton heritage. See pages 10-11 for details. Watch out also for news about an exciting artistic exchange between Lancashire and Gujarat happening this year - check out our website for details.

This project is being organised by the Harris Museum & Art Gallery and Lancashire County Council Community Heritage with support from Preston City Council and Renaissance North West.

Look out for special events during February, March and May where you can discover more about the books and Dr Shepherd.

See pages 10-11 for more details.

This exhibition is part of Stories of the World, one of the projects at the heart of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Dress by Manish Arora on display in Global Threads.

Photo: Simon Critchley. Garment © Manish Arora

Botanicon by Theodor Dorsten, 1540.

Shepherd Library. Courtesy of LCC Community Heritage

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Exhibitions & Events Guide

February – May 2012

Picturesque Porcelain: British Landscape on a Plate Until Summer The museum recently received a stunning Crown Derby dessert service from the generous bequest of Robin Miller, a descendant of the Miller cotton manufacturers of Preston. These dishes, plates and tureens are decorated with beautiful landscapes of the British countryside that inspired artists and writers of the early 1800s. A new display created with help from members of the Blackpool Victoria Hospital Walking Club showcases these ceramics which can be seen in the museum café.

Porcelain shell dish from a dessert service made by Crown Derby, about 1810

Stairway Exhibitions Field of Vision: Two Printmakers, Ten Walks, Two Countries 8 February – 14 April Tracy Hill and Martha Oatway are both printmakers with a shared passion for walking. For Field of Vision they took walks together around the areas in which they live, Lancashire and Washington DC, and through print we see their different responses to the landscapes. www.tracyhill.co.uk www.marthaoatway.com

Helen McGhie 18 April – 9 June Helen McGhie’s photographs explore ideas surrounding identity and sense of place. She is intrigued by photography’s ability to shape and emphasise reality. The exhibition includes Ashley House, a recent series of photographs documenting the relationship between a place and family, alongside new work created for the Stairway. www.helenmcghie.com

Martha Oatway, Daingerfield Island & Tracy Hill, Foot Square 1, 2011

Helen McGhie, Swimming Pool from the series Ashley House, 2008

Exhibitions & Events Guide

February – May 2012

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Looking forward to Preston Guild 2012 2012 is an exciting year for the Harris, with the Preston Guild 2012 celebrations to look forward to and the opening this summer of our exciting new history gallery, Discover Preston.

Discover Preston – opening summer 2012 We’re currently working on the new history gallery, Discover Preston, installing the exhibits and bringing the stories to life celebrating the people and events that have shaped our city. For a flavour of what you will find in the gallery, visit our website.

Explore the history of the Guild In the run-up to the Preston Guild celebrations in September, the Harris is the place to go to discover more about the history of the Guild.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Guild at one of our special themed events taking place during the summer. Here’s just a flavour of what to expect – explore Guild ceramics, take a journey through the history of Preston Guild in costume and enter our competition to design a virtual dress for our Guild Doll.

More details in the next Exhibition & Events Guide.

Don’t miss a thing!

Join our mailing list to receive all the latest Discover Preston and Guild news, events, and discover the stories behind some of the Guild items in our extensive collection. Details at www.harrismuseum.org.uk Take a piece of Guild history home with you Look out for our exclusive range of Preston Guild gifts available to buy from the museum shop this spring. An essential gift for all Prestonians will be the commemorative DVD, Preston and its Guild 1902-1992 produced by the North West Film Archive from film in the Harris collection. Available from March for only £12.

Stills courtesy of NWFA

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www.harrismuseum.org.uk

February – May 2012

Our Collections Decorative Art

Fine Art

The decorative art collection includes ceramics, glass, costume and textiles dating from the 1700s to the modern day. In the Ceramics & Glass gallery you’ll find everything from Staffordshire figures to studio pottery. Don’t miss Mrs French’s Scent Bottle collection with over 2,700 bottles to explore – and in the café you’ll find a striking display of Crown Derby porcelain.

Come along to the Fine Art Gallery and discover an exciting display of paintings and sculpture from our permanent collection. From firm favourites to new surprises, there is something for everyone to see and enjoy. Our impressive collection ranges from the 1700s to the present day and includes work by Jacob Epstein, L.S. Lowry and Stanley Spencer.

In the year of the 2012 Olympic Games, find out how young people from Preston have got involved in the Cultural Olympiad in our Costume Gallery exhibition Global Threads.

It all started with a stunning collection historic textile samples which you can now explore on-line: www.tmoi.org.uk

Look out for Puck by Richard Dadd, now part of our permanent collection thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Art Fund, Friends of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery and a bequest by Mrs Dorothy Wade through Arts Council England.

Detail of textile sample no. 270, gold and beetle-wing embroidery, from The Textile Manufactures of India (1866)

Please see events on pages 10–11 for details of our Fine Art Hands-On sessions and gallery tours. Signed tours for people with hearing impairment and described tours for people with visual impairment are available for the Fine Art Galleries by arrangement.

If you are visiting as a family, look out for Annie the Artist from the Hands on Gang who will introduce you to lots of fun activities to engage young minds.

Exhibitions & Events Guide

February – May 2012

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For Families Whether you’re planning a full day out for the family, or just passing and decide to pop in, you’ll find something all year round to keep everyone occupied.

Special events: Take a look at pages 10–11 for half-term and Easter activities!

Why not make a day of it?

We’re only a short bus ride/drive away from other museums in the city, including the Queen’s Lancashire Regimental Museum, Ribble Steam Railway and the recently re-opened Museum of Lancashire.

To find out more, let the Hands on Gang show you around Preston’s museums!

Go to www.prestonhandsongang.com We host regular free ‘Hands On’ children’s events which include: Hands On at the Harris: Activities suitable for all ages held every first and third Saturday each month – come in and try something new!

Little Hands On: Fun for the under fives and their carers, join us to explore, sing, play and create together. First Monday of the month.

Little Hands On – Story time: Story time for under fives and their carers – in partnership with the Harris Library. Every other month on Fridays.

Scent Bottle Treasure Hunt – Dress up as a detective and track down some very special scent bottles.

No need to book – these events are all drop-in. To find the date of the next event, please check events on pages 10–11 or visit our website.

Hands on at the Harris

Arty Explorers

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www.harrismuseum.org.uk

Events Date

February – May 2012

Full information about each of the events listed can be found in the What’s On section of our website www.harrismuseum.org.uk

Event

Time

Cost/booking

Age

February Fri 3

Little Hands On – story time

10.30-11am

Free, drop in

Under 5s & carers

Sat 4

Hands On at the Harris

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Mon 6

Little Hands On

11am-12pm

Free, drop in

Under 5s & carers

Wed 8

A Private Affair Audio Described tour

2-3pm

Free, drop in

All

Thurs 9

Curator talk: Picturesque Porcelain

1-1.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 11

Fashion styling workshop for young people

11.30am-4.30pm

Free, please book

11+

Sat 11

Fine Art tour

1-1.40pm

Free, drop in

All

Mon 13

Arty Explorers

11am–12pm & 2-3pm

Free, drop in

Families

Tues 14

Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild

2-3pm

Free, drop in

All

Tues 14

Hands On at the Harris

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Wed 15

Wonderful Wednesdays

2-4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Thur 16

Dig It! - kids’ archaeology activity

10.30am -12pm & 2-3.30pm

£1, please book

8-12

Fri 17

Junk Art – give junk a meaning!

1-3.30pm

Free, please book

7-14

Sat 18

Puck celebration event

12pm– 4pm

Free, drop in

All

Wed 22

Lecture: Preston’s first library the legacy of Dr Shepherd

6.30 - 8.00pm

Free, please book

All

Thurs 23

Curator talk: A Private Affair exhibition talk

1-1.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 25

The Potter’s Apprentice

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Thurs 1

Guided history walk from the Harris Community Heritage Library to Dr Shepherd’s grave

1-2pm

Free, drop in

All

Fri 2

Little Hands On – story time

10.30-11am

Free, drop in

Under 5s & carers

Sat 3

Hands On at the Harris

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Mon 5

Little Hands On

11am–12pm

Free, drop in

Under 5s & carers

Thurs 8

International Women’s Day celebration

3.30–4.45pm

Free, drop in

Women & children

Thurs 8

Fine Art tour

1-1.40pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 10

How to Collect – A Private Affair special event

2-4pm

£5

All

Tues 13

Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild

2-3pm

Free, drop in

All

Wed 14

Fashion in Focus talk: Vivienne Westwood

1-1.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 17

Hands On History - fun history activities

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Wed 21

Digital photography workshop for young people

2-4.30pm

Free, please book

Young people

Wed 21

Curator talk: A Private Affair exhibition

1-1.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Thurs 29

Take a closer look at the Dr Shepherd library collection

2– 4pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 31

Collections talk: our most beautiful scent bottles

1.30-2pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 31

Scent Bottle Treasure Hunt

2-4pm

Free, drop in

Families

March

To book, or for more information, please call 01772 905414

www.harrismuseum.org.uk

February – May 2012

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Events (Cont.)

Date

Event

Time

Cost/booking

Age

April Mon 2

Little Hands On

11am–12pm

Free, drop in

Under 5s & carers

Mon 2

Hands On at the Harris

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Tues 3

The Potter’s Apprentice

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Wed 4

Wonderful Wednesdays

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Thurs 5

Hands On at the Harris – Easter activities

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Sat 7

Hands On at the Harris

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Tues 10

Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild

2–3pm

Free, drop in

All

Tues 10

Arty Explorers

11am–12pm & 2–3pm

Free, drop in

Families

Wed 11

Wonderful Wednesdays

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Wed 11

Fashion in Focus talk: student fashion in Preston

5.30-6pm

Free, drop in

All

Thurs 12

Curator talk: A Private Affair exhibition

1-1.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Thurs 12

Sew Cool Club

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Fri 13

Time for Tea - crafty tea party fun

2–4pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 14

Fine Art tour

1-1.40pm

Free, drop in

All

Wed 18

Fine Art tour – Interpreted in British Sign Language and with a lip speaker

2–3pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 21

Hands On History - fun history activities

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Sat 28

Collections talk: ceramics by William de Morgan and Walter Crane

1.30-2pm

Free, drop in

All

Sat 28

The Potter’s Apprentice

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

Sat 28

Global Threads spoken word & drama workshop for young people

1-4pm

Free, please book

14+

Sat 5

Hands On at the Harris

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Tues 8

Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild

2-3pm

Free, drop in

All

Wed 9

Collections talk: the lady behind the scent bottle collection

1.30-2pm

Free, drop in

All

Thurs 10

Fine Art tour

1-1.40pm

Sat 12 Fri 18

Adult Learners Week - look out for special events during the week

Sat 12

Take a closer look at the Dr Shepherd library collection

2–4pm

Free, drop in

All

Mon 14

Little Hands On

11am–12pm

Free, drop in

Under 5s & carers

May

Free, drop in

All

Free, drop in

Adults

Wed 16

Global Threads Audio Described tour

2–3pm

Free, drop in

All

Thurs 17

Fashion in Focus talk: Manish Arora

1-1.30pm

Free, drop in

All

Fri 18

Cotton Sounds: Music Night Out - special event

6.30-8pm

Free, please book

All

Sat 19

Hands On History - fun history activities

1.30-3.30pm

Free, drop in

Families

Sat 26

Scent Bottle Treasure Hunt

2–4pm

Free, drop in

Families

To book, or for more information, please call 01772 905414

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www.harrismuseum.org.uk

February – May 2012

For Young People Unleash your creative side!

Have your say – get involved in our programme for young people.

Young Harris

Arts Award

Young Harris is a youth arts group for young people aged 13-18. You’ll work with our staff, volunteers and specialist artists at the Harris in your free time, usually on a Saturday, in workshops and projects that relate to the Harris’ collections and exhibitions. You’ll also get the chance to work towards gaining a Bronze or Silver Arts Award through participating in the group.

Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that looks great on your CV. It’s all about seeing, trying, and doing new things in whatever part of the arts world that inspires you. You’ll attend workshops, exhibitions, events, research your heroes and share your passions with other young people at the Harris. Our on site Arts Award advisor will support you. For more info, visit www.artsaward.com

For more info, go to www.facebook/Young Harris Workshops are on Saturdays from 1–3.30pm on: 4 February, 10 March, 7 April, 28 April and 26 May

To get involved with Young Harris and/ or Arts Award, call 01772 905412.

We are an official Arts Award Centre

Young Curators

Special events

If you are aged 18-25, why not join the Young Curators group who meet once a month on Wednesday afternoons to work with museum staff on up & coming projects? To get involved contact Ayisat our new Youth Co-ordinator on harris.museum@preston.gov.uk

Junk Art – give junk a meaning!

Friday 17 February 1-3.30pm Let James from our Young Harris group inspire you into recycling your junk in an arty way!

Suitable for ages 7-14 Free – but bring a bag of recyclable junk with you!

Booking essential See pages 10-11 for more special events just for young people, including workshops in styling, digital photography, spoken word & drama, plus Cotton Sounds: Music Night Out.

Fashion styling and photography workshop for young people

www.harrismuseum.org.uk

February – May 2012

Get Involved We love it when our visitors get involved – and there are loads of ways for you to do so! Check the Get Involved page of our website for more information.

Volunteering There’s a wide range of volunteering opportunities at the Harris, in all sections of the museum. If you’d like to volunteer and share your skills with us, or develop new ones, contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01772 905407.

Inspiring Learning We offer a range of inspirational learning opportunities for schools, colleges and adult or community groups. To find out more, call our Learning Team on 01772 905405 and we’ll help you plan your day.

Bringing the Harris to you Projects for the community Working with our partners in the local community, we encourage individuals and groups that need extra support to work with us. This work is targeted specifically at young people; vulnerable adults; minority groups and older people (Reminiscence). We offer a wide range of activities from one-off talks, tours and consultation, to long term weekly or monthly projects. All our activities are inspired by our collections and exhibitions and aim to improve social and life skills as well as improving health and wellbeing. We can provide services at the Harris or off-site in the community. For an informal chat about how the Harris could help your group call our Learning and Access team on 01772 905412 or email k.milnes@preston.gov.uk

Become a Friend of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery Join the Friends!

Membership is a great way for you to support us and it also offers exclusive benefits such as invitations to all exhibition openings and private views, opportunities to meet the team and see behind the scenes, dedicated Friends’ events, and discounts on other museum activities, plus 10% discount in the shop and café.

To find out more, phone 01772 903619 or email harrisfriends@preston.gov.uk

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www.harrismuseum.org.uk

February – May 2012

Visitor Information Opening hours

Access

Museum & Art Gallery Monday 11am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday 10am-5pm

You’ll find Blue Badge parking available in Jacson Street. There is a ramp at the museum entrance and you can borrow a wheelchair from us – just ask a Visitor Services Assistant for help.

We are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Contact T: 01772 258248 E: harris.museum@preston.gov.uk W: www.harrismuseum.org.uk Shop/Event bookings 01772 905414 Audio guides Freely available in the Fine Art Gallery on the 2nd floor and also from any member of staff. We will provide full instructions for use upon request.

Groups If you would like to bring a group, please contact us to discuss your plans so we can help you make the most of your visit.

Wi–Fi Free wi-fi is now available throughout the museum.

Museum shop/café Why not drop into our café for a drink and a snack? We now offer a great range of coffees and locally produced food from around Lancashire.

Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm Our shop stocks a range of cards and gifts for adults and children, including unique artist-made items. Look out this spring for our range of Discover Preston goodies.

Open Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm

A lift to all floors (except the Egyptian Balcony) is available.

We welcome guide and assistance dogs and an induction loop is fitted throughout the galleries.

We have a ground floor accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities.

Large print version of this Guide is available from the museum upon request.

www.harrismuseum.org.uk

February – May 2012

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Mailing List Join our free mailing/email list and keep up-to-date with our exhibitions, events and news.

Email your name and address to harris.museum@preston.gov.uk with ‘mailing list’ in the subject box. Alternatively, please call us on 01772 258248. We will not pass your details on to any other organisation.

However, if you would like to receive news about the Preston Guild 2012, please let us know in the email and we will add you to their mailing list.

If you are interested in any of these, let us know: New History Gallery

Preston Guild 2012

Contemporary Art

Paintings & Sculpture

Family events

Volunteering

Friends of the Harris

Costume, textiles, glass or ceramics

Community Projects

How to Find Us By car We’re about 15 minutes from Junction 31 of the M6. Follow signs for A59 Preston and head for the city centre Bus Station car park.

(SatNav: PR1 1YT) For directions follow the details in ‘Visitor Information’ online at www.harrismuseum.org.uk By bus and coach We’re 5 minutes walk from the bus station. Park and Ride buses to and from Walton-le-Dale Park & Ride stop directly outside the museum. To plan your journey by bus or coach visit www.transportdirect.info By train Only a 10 minute walk from Preston railway station.

See www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest rail information.

on St Jacs

Opening times Museum & Art Gallery Monday 11am – 5pm Tuesday-Saturday 10am – 5pm Harris Museum Shop Monday–Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm Harris Museum Café Monday–Saturday 10am – 4pm We are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

You can support the work of the Harris by making a text donation to the Friends of the Harris (reg. charity 503726).

Simply text HARR11 followed by £3, £5 or £10 to 70070 to donate now.

Thank you.

Join us on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter to keep up to date with news and pictures.

Shop/Event bookings 01772 905414 Typetalk: I800I 01772 258248 Harris Museum & Art Gallery Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP T. 01772 258248 F. 01772 886764 E. harris.museum@preston.gov.uk www.harrismuseum.org.uk