wolverhampton art gallery Exhibitions & Events

January - April 2012

Free Entry

11 Feb – 14 Apr

The Joy of MakingThe 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.

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

Cover image:Latoya by Alan Coulson © Alan Coulson

Our Supporters

Welcome

Exhibitions

Every Tues and Thurs

11 Feb – 14 Apr, 11am - 2pm

Handmade

DemonstrationsA variety of handmade

techniques will be demonstrated

throughout the duration of the

exhibition.

Sat 11 Feb 10am-2pm

Valentine’s Workshop

for MenAn opportunity for men to get

crafty and create a Valentine’s

card using paper cutting and

printing techniques.

Sat 25 Feb 10am - 1pm

Recycled Accessories Discover creative ways to

make accessories with recycled

materials - paper jewellery, rag

brooches and hair ornaments.

Sat 17 Mar 10am - 2pm

Kantha Stitches

EmbroideryA 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.

Sat 14 Apr 10am – 1pm

Free-weavingExperiment and create

a basket from

contemporary materials

such as copper wire and

fishing line. £8, booking

required.

Booking Information:

All events are free and

drop-in unless stated.

Please secure your place

book online, by

phone or in person.

Until 28 Apr

Olympic Posters: Pop & PublicityPrepare 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.

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.

Pop Art Gallery

Wed 15 Feb 12pm - 12.30pm

Talk with Greg SylvesterJoin 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.

1972 Munich Olympic

Poster by Otl Aicher © IOC

14 Jan - 14 Apr

Super Vivere by Susie ReaThese 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.

Some portraits are poignant and inspiring,

others are humorous. The exhibition as a

whole presents a compelling and emotive

viewing experience.

Focus

Wed 28 Mar 12.30 - 1pm

Exhibition TourAn exhibition tour with a

discussion about wellbeing

and survival. Examining siblings

over the age of 90, the talk will

explore genetics and lifestyles.

Joyce & Norman © Susie Rea

Collections

Traced - Art & Design in

Wolverhampton 1850-1970This 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.

The Gin Pit by E Butler-Bayliss

28 Jan – 18 Feb

The Art of the MedalSee 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.

25 Feb - 9 June

Contemporary CollectionProviding 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.

Until 24 Mar

The Northern Ireland

CollectionThis 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.

Richard Billingham, Untitled, 1990 © the artist,

courtesy of Anthony Reynolds Gallery

Victorian GalleryDiscover 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 CentreDid 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

FamilyVisiting 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

Collections

7 Jan – 4 Feb

Freak Red BlockA 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

26 Mar – 19 May

The Royal Photographic

Society 154th International

Print ExhibitionA selection of contemporary

photographs from the Society’s

2011 exhibition shown in

collaboration with the University

of Wolverhampton’s School of

Art & Design.

11 Feb – 10 Mar

Landscape

by Gerry MahoneyPainting 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.

Shark Shop by John Martin © The Artist

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.

Last Chance

Until 28 Jan

Willie DohertyIrish 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.

Until 14 Jan

Wolverhampton Society

of ArtistsThe 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.

Buried, Willie Doherty 2009

(video still). Image courtesy

of the artist and Matt’s

Gallery, London.

Christmas Day in the Lakes by

Joan Hems @ the artist

Events

Sat 14 Jan 10am - 1pm

Stimulus/ResponseA 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.

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.

Sat 21 Jan 10.30am - 4pm

Book Binding WorkshopCreate your own handmade

sewn-bound book with artist

Rachel Marsden. Materials,

lunch and drinks provided.

£30, booking required.

Sat 28 Jan 10am – 12.30pm

Behind the Scenes

Flickr MeetAn 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.

Back by

popular

request

Events calendar

Thu 5 Jan

Sat 14 Jan

Wed 18 Jan

Fri 20 Jan

Sat 21 Jan

Wed 25 Jan

Sat 28 Jan

Wed 1 Feb

Thu 2 Feb

Sat 4 Feb

Sat 11 Feb

Wed 15 Feb

Wed 15 Feb

Fri 17 Feb

Sat 18 Feb

Sat 25 Feb

Wed 29 Feb

Artforum

Tea & Talk: Medals

Gallery Tour

Valentine’s Workshop for Men

Talk with Greg Sylvester

Artforum

Local History: Wartime Hospitals

Art Speaking: NI Collection

Recycled Accessories

Meet me @ WAG: What’s On...

Tea & Talk: Steel Jewellery

Stimulus / Response

Artforum

Local History: The Crimean Surgeon

Art Speaking: Super Vivere

Meet me @ WAG: How do I look?

Behind the Scenes Flickr Meet

3pm – 3.30pm

10am – 1pm

4.30pm – 6.30pm

2pm – 3pm

1pm – 2pm

11am – 12pm

10am – 12.30pm

4.30pm – 6.30pm

3pm – 3.30pm

12pm – 12.30pm

10am – 2pm

12pm – 12.30pm

4.30pm – 6.30pm

2pm – 3pm

1pm – 2pm

10am – 1pm

11am – 12pm

Talk

Workshop

14 – 25 yrs

Talk

Tour

Over 50s

Tour

14 – 25 yrs

Talk

Tour

Workshop

Talk

14 – 25 yrs

Talk

Tour

Workshop

Over 50s

January

February

Local History TalksFascinating talks

hosted by local

historians.

Tea & TalkJoin us in the cafe for an

up-close look at some of

the diverse objects in our

collection. Refreshments

to be purchased separately.

Gallery ToursJoin us for an informal

tour of the Gallery. Find

out about the history

of the building and

Wolverhampton’s world

renowned collections.

March

Thu 1 Mar

Sat 3 Mar

Wed 7 Mar

Fri 16 Mar

Sat 17 Mar

Sat 17 Mar

Wed 21 Mar

Wed 28 Mar

Wed 28 Mar

Sat 30 Mar

Tea & Talk Ivory Puzzle Ball

Gallery Tour

Artforum

Local History: Pantomime

Kantha Stiches Embroidery

Art Speaking: The Joy of Making

Artforum

Super Vivere Exhibition Tour

Meet me @ WAG: Sisters..

Wedding Fair

3pm – 3.30pm

12pm – 12.30pm

4.30pm – 6.30pm

2pm – 3pm

10am – 2pm

1pm – 2pm

4.30pm – 6.30pm

12.30pm – 1pm

11am – 12pm

11am – 4pm

Talk

Tour

14 – 25 yrs

Talk

Workshop

Tour

14 – 25 yrs

Tour

Over 50s

Fair

April

Wed 4 Apr

Thu 5 Apr

Sat 7 Apr

Sat 14 Apr

Wed 18 Apr

Fri 20 Apr

Sat 21 Jan

Wed 25 Apr

Artforum

Tea & Talk: Magic Lanterns

Gallery Tour

Free – Weaving

Artforum

Local History: Canal Tales

Art Speaking: Contemporary

Meet me @WAG: Every Picture…

4.30pm – 6.30pm

3pm – 3.30pm

12pm – 12.30pm

10am – 1pm

4.30pm – 6.30pm

2pm – 3pm

1pm – 2pm

11am – 12pm

14 – 25 yrs

Talk

Tour

Workshop

14 – 25 yrs

Talk

Tour

Over 50s

ArtforumThe Gallery’s group for

young people (14-25). See

the upcoming programme

at tinyurl.com/wagartforum

Art SpeakingAudio described tours

of exhibitions for

people with visual

impairment.

Meet Me @ WAGA monthly discussion

event raising interesting

topics inspired by our

collections. (Over 50s).

News

New AcquisitionWe 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 communityMany 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 LaingWe 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

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.

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

Visit www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk for your ultimate guide to visiting the city.

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