wolverhampton art gallery Exhibitions & Events January - April 2012
Free Entry
Welcome Frank Skinner recently said that, for him, art galleries were motorway services for the soul. I think this is a wonderful image and, after what has no doubt been a busy Christmas and New Year holiday, we hope that our new programme will provide you with food for the soul. There is a strong focus on our work with older people this season. Plus lots of opportunities for you to find your own creativity in our programme of workshops and demonstrations. So please do visit and enjoy not only food for the soul, but possibly the best cake in the city, in the Gallery café. Corinne Miller Head of Arts & Heritage
Our Supporters
11 Feb – 14 Apr
The Joy of Making The Joy of Making is a celebration of traditional hand making processes explored through objects from our collection. Intricate baskets are shown alongside colourful Polish folk paper cut designs, needlework samplers, dolls and toys. These objects have inspired community groups through our Arts and Social Care programme and their creations are displayed alongside our collection. Plus, a new installation adds a contemporary twist to the exhibition.
Cover image:Latoya by Alan Coulson © Alan Coulson
Exhibitions
Every Tues and Thurs 11 Feb – 14 Apr, 11am - 2pm
Sat 25 Feb 10am - 1pm
Sat 14 Apr 10am – 1pm
Handmade Demonstrations
Recycled Accessories
Free-weaving
Discover creative ways to make accessories with recycled materials - paper jewellery, rag brooches and hair ornaments.
Experiment and create a basket from contemporary materials such as copper wire and fishing line. £8, booking required.
A variety of handmade techniques will be demonstrated throughout the duration of the exhibition. Sat 11 Feb 10am-2pm
Valentine’s Workshop for Men An opportunity for men to get crafty and create a Valentine’s card using paper cutting and printing techniques.
Sat 17 Mar 10am - 2pm
Kantha Stitches Embroidery A chance to learn the ancient skill of Kantha. Originating from Bengal, this hand embroidery technique uses layers of fine materials to create beautiful designs. £12, booking required.
Booking Information: All events are free and drop-in unless stated. Please secure your place book online, by phone or in person.
Pop Art Gallery
1972 Munich Olympic Poster by Otl Aicher © IOC
Until 28 Apr
Wed 15 Feb 12pm - 12.30pm
Olympic Posters: Pop & Publicity
Talk with Greg Sylvester
Prepare for London 2012, with a chance to see the set of Olympic art posters created for the 1972 Munich Olympics. The posters are part of the Art Gallery’s Pop Art collection and were designed by artists such as Allen Jones and David Hockney.
Join Greg Sylvester as he talks about his career at the Special Olympics, carrying the Olympic torch for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and his community work helping people to get involved with sport.
Find out more about the story of the ‘Happy Olympics’, overshadowed by the terrorist attacks on Israeli athletes. Also see memorabilia from past games loaned by the public and private collectors.
Focus
Joyce & Norman Š Susie Rea
14 Jan - 14 Apr
Wed 28 Mar 12.30 - 1pm
Super Vivere by Susie Rea
Exhibition Tour
These photographic portraits explore the lives of brothers and sisters in the UK and Europe who are over the age of 90. The artist examines how these remarkable individuals understand and experience their survival into old age.
An exhibition tour with a discussion about wellbeing and survival. Examining siblings over the age of 90, the talk will explore genetics and lifestyles.
Some portraits are poignant and inspiring, others are humorous. The exhibition as a whole presents a compelling and emotive viewing experience.
Collections
The Gin Pit by E Butler-Bayliss
Traced - Art & Design in Wolverhampton 1850-1970
28 Jan – 18 Feb
This permanent exhibition traces the success of art & design in Wolverhampton and brings together works by local artists from our collection. Following a small re-display, the exhibition reveals further works from our collection including the beautiful lime wood sculpture Mother & Child by Sir Charles Wheeler.
See work by artist, sculptor and President of the British Art Medal Society Ron Dutton, alongside pieces by young people in response to his work and medals from Wolverhampton’s own collection.
The Art of the Medal
Until 24 Mar
The Northern Ireland Collection This unique collection of challenging works returns in a new display featuring the complete series Troubled Land by Paul Graham, which shows the changing landscape of Northern Ireland. Through ongoing research and discussion around these themes, the Gallery is committed to developing this collection in order to record the history of the conflict and artists’ responses to the past and present political climate in the region.
25 Feb - 9 June
Contemporary Collection Providing an insight into the artworks that feature in Wolverhampton’s contemporary collection, this exhibition explores the diverse selection of work that has been collected with various funding sources including the Contemporary Art Society. Committed to developing the collection of contemporary artwork, the Gallery continues to purchase new work that provokes discussion and prompts debate through a variety of media. Richard Billingham, Untitled, 1990 © the artist, courtesy of Anthony Reynolds Gallery
Collections
Victorian Gallery Discover Wolverhampton’s collection of Victorian decorative objects and artworks in a two-room display which explores the fascinating world of the Victorians, including their passion for eastern influenced design.
Georgian Gallery In the sumptuous surroundings of the Georgian Gallery you will find grand paintings from the period alongside interactive exhibits that provide a hands-on look at key themes of the day, from scientific discoveries to the scandals of the theatrical world, offering a flavour of life in the 18th century.
Resource Centre Did you know you can ask to see any item in our collection even if it’s not on display? To book an appointment call the gallery on 01902 552055 or email artgallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk You can also find out more about our collections online at www.blackcountryhistory.org
Family Visiting anywhere with little ones can be stressful so we’ve tried to change that by making our venue a great place to explore and have fun together. We have a range of family facilities from high chairs, to a buggy park; colouring sheets to family activity trails and even Hippy Chick Hip Seats to borrow.. For information on family workshops and activity sessions please pick up our family friendly leaflet, or go to www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk
Hire Space Exhibitions
Hire Space offers a unique exhibition space for artists with a connection to Wolverhampton to display their work. For more information and details of how to hire call 01902 552055.
Shark Shop by John Martin © The Artist
7 Jan – 4 Feb
11 Feb – 10 Mar
26 Mar – 19 May
Freak Red Block
Landscape by Gerry Mahoney
The Royal Photographic Society 154th International Print Exhibition
A collection of thematic portraits. Freak - the lure of the absurd based on Victorian freak shows. The Block - contemporary life through living room portraits. Project Red documenting the beauty and diversity of redheads
Painting by Irish born artist Gerry Mahoney featuring places he has travelled and worked in over the last few years such as Montana, USA, Goa and France.
A selection of contemporary photographs from the Society’s 2011 exhibition shown in collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Art & Design.
Last Chance
Until 14 Jan
Wolverhampton Society of Artists The popular Wolverhampton Society of Artists biennial exhibition showcases new work in a diverse range of styles, mediums and subject matter, much available to buy throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Christmas Day in the Lakes by Joan Hems @ the artist
Until 28 Jan
Willie Doherty Irish artist Willie Doherty is known for his video, film and photographic works, which relate directly to the complexities of living in a divided society and address more universal themes of landscape, memory and identity.
Buried, Willie Doherty 2009 (video still). Image courtesy of the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.
Events
Sat 31 Mar 11am – 4pm
Handmade & Vintage Wedding Fair Unique to the region, this new wedding fair is for couples who dream of a bespoke wedding. Makers from across the UK will be selling high quality handmade and vintage products and services such as wedding photography, venues and cake designers. A fashion show will take place and a vintage hair salon will be giving demonstrations.
by Back r la u po p t s u q re e
Sat 21 Jan 10.30am - 4pm
Book Binding Workshop Create your own handmade sewn-bound book with artist Rachel Marsden. Materials, lunch and drinks provided. £30, booking required.
Sat 14 Jan 10am - 1pm
Sat 28 Jan 10am – 12.30pm
Stimulus/Response
Behind the Scenes Flickr Meet
A creative writing workshop inspired by Arts & Heritage venues. Find a stimulus for your prose with six special events hosted at Wolverhampton's Arts and Heritage venues. For further information on other participating venues please visit our website. £16, booking required.
An opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Gallery and take photographs to share on Flickr. Free, booking required, please book online via our website.
Events calendar
Gallery Tours
Tea & Talk
Local History Talks
Join us for an informal tour of the Gallery. Find out about the history of the building and Wolverhampton’s world renowned collections.
Join us in the cafe for an up-close look at some of the diverse objects in our collection. Refreshments to be purchased separately.
Fascinating talks hosted by local historians.
January Thu 5 Jan
Tea & Talk: Steel Jewellery
3pm – 3.30pm
Talk
Sat 14 Jan
Stimulus / Response
10am – 1pm
Workshop
Wed 18 Jan
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Fri 20 Jan
Local History: The Crimean Surgeon
2pm – 3pm
Talk
Sat 21 Jan
Art Speaking: Super Vivere
1pm – 2pm
Tour
Wed 25 Jan
Meet me @ WAG: How do I look?
11am – 12pm
Over 50s
Sat 28 Jan
Behind the Scenes Flickr Meet
10am – 12.30pm
Tour
February Wed 1 Feb
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Thu 2 Feb
Tea & Talk: Medals
3pm – 3.30pm
Talk
Sat 4 Feb
Gallery Tour
12pm – 12.30pm
Tour
Sat 11 Feb
Valentine’s Workshop for Men
10am – 2pm
Workshop
Wed 15 Feb
Talk with Greg Sylvester
12pm – 12.30pm
Talk
Wed 15 Feb
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Fri 17 Feb
Local History: Wartime Hospitals
2pm – 3pm
Talk
Sat 18 Feb
Art Speaking: NI Collection
1pm – 2pm
Tour
Sat 25 Feb
Recycled Accessories
10am – 1pm
Workshop
Wed 29 Feb
Meet me @ WAG: What’s On...
11am – 12pm
Over 50s
Art Speaking
Meet Me @ WAG
Artforum
Audio described tours of exhibitions for people with visual impairment.
A monthly discussion event raising interesting topics inspired by our collections. (Over 50s).
The Gallery’s group for young people (14-25). See the upcoming programme at tinyurl.com/wagartforum
March Thu 1 Mar
Tea & Talk Ivory Puzzle Ball
3pm – 3.30pm
Talk
Sat 3 Mar
Gallery Tour
12pm – 12.30pm
Tour
Wed 7 Mar
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Fri 16 Mar
Local History: Pantomime
2pm – 3pm
Talk
Sat 17 Mar
Kantha Stiches Embroidery
10am – 2pm
Workshop
Sat 17 Mar
Art Speaking: The Joy of Making
1pm – 2pm
Tour
Wed 21 Mar
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Wed 28 Mar
Super Vivere Exhibition Tour
12.30pm – 1pm
Tour
Wed 28 Mar
Meet me @ WAG: Sisters..
11am – 12pm
Over 50s
Sat 30 Mar
Wedding Fair
11am – 4pm
Fair
Wed 4 Apr
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Thu 5 Apr
Tea & Talk: Magic Lanterns
3pm – 3.30pm
Talk
Sat 7 Apr
Gallery Tour
12pm – 12.30pm
Tour
Sat 14 Apr
Free – Weaving
10am – 1pm
Workshop
Wed 18 Apr
Artforum
4.30pm – 6.30pm
14 – 25 yrs
Fri 20 Apr
Local History: Canal Tales
2pm – 3pm
Talk
Sat 21 Jan
Art Speaking: Contemporary
1pm – 2pm
Tour
Wed 25 Apr
Meet me @WAG: Every Picture…
11am – 12pm
Over 50s
April
News
New Acquisition We are delighted to announce the acquisition of a sculpture by the eminent local sculptor, Sir Charles Wheeler (1892-1974). Formerly on loan, Wheeler’s Self Portrait bust has kindly been donated to the collection and can be seen on display in Traced – Art & Design in Wolverhampton 1850-1970.
Our collections In 2011 we lent 21 items from Wolverhampton’s collection to regional, national and international venues including the Royal Academy, Lightbox Gallery, Turner Contemporary, the Barber Institute and venues in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Austria and Germany.
Loans from the community Many thanks to supporters who have lent items from their collections for recent exhibitions. Olympic POP lenders: Paul Tudor, Peter Bloore, Dave Clare, Aden Southall, Smethwick Heritage Centre and Wolverhampton Books & Collectables. Edward Irvine has lent a surgeon’s set from the Crimean War for display in the Victorian Gallery.
Gerald Laing We were saddened to hear that pop artist Gerald Laing (shown right) has passed away at the age of 75. We worked closely with the artist during the Pop Protest exhibition in 2010 and visitors will remember him giving a fascinating talk about his work.
Gerald Laing at Wolverhampton Art Gallery 2010
Visit Us Wolverhampton Art Gallery Lichfield Street Wolverhampton WV1 1DU Tel: 01902 552055 fax: 01902 552053 artgallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Free Entry For holiday opening times please check our website or call the Gallery. Find us online: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/WolverhamptonArtGallery Twitter: twitter.com/WolvArtGallery Search our collections: www.blackcountryhistory.co.uk
Travel The Gallery is 5 minutes walk from rail, metro and bus stations. The nearest car park is the Civic Centre just two minutes away. By car follow the signs from the M5, M6 & M54. Access Blue badge holders may use the parking bays on Wulfruna Street, just a few metres from the ramped entrance in St. Peter's Passage. Two lifts serve the upper floors. Limited seating is available on the lower floor of the Cafe. To reserve a seat please call 01902 552055. Information Point The Information Point at Wolverhampton Art Gallery provides a wide range of information about what’s on and what to do in the city. Shop A treasure trove of souvenirs, original crafts, cards and jewellery, for all tastes and budgets. Buy online at www.distinctivegifts.co.uk.
Café Relax in the laid-back setting of the Café with its delicious menu, range of speciality loose-leaf teas and fresh coffees. Friends of Wolverhampton Art Gallery & Museums Become a Friend and help buy works of art for the collections as well as enjoying special events and trips. Pick up a form at the Gallery or print a copy from our website. Weddings The Rococo Room at the Molineux Hotel, now the City Archives, is licensed for weddings (capacity 70). For further information call 01902 552450. Venue Hire Wolverhampton Art Gallery is perfect city centre venue for a special event, conference or meeting, from as little as £60.
Visit www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk for your ultimate guide to visiting the city.