A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU
and many thanks for the support you give which enables the enhancement
of the Art Gallery and Museum.
People join an association
for all sorts of reasons and expectations. The rewards of our
membership are not only reflected in the programme of stimulating talks
and excursions, but by taking part in the Gallery’s activities for
the children and their families. The joy on the faces of the boys
and girls as they delighted in the Punch and Judy show at the Christmas
celebration on December 12th was a pleasure to behold.
We were kept very busy doling out squash and biscuits to more than a
hundred young as they refreshed themselves after singing carols, or
designing letters to Father Christmas. Whether they take part
in art competitions, or activities and workshops designed for their
age group, these children are going to see their Art Gallery and Museum
as a place to visit, perhaps unaware of the influence it will have on
their development.
On January 21st
at our first meeting of the year we are planning to launch a new handout
and application form to replace the present one which is seven years
old. With the help of the Gallery staff we have put together colour
pictures of some of the items purchased with contributions from FLAG,
or helped with funds for restoration. We hope that this will reflect
more truly our aims and objectives, as well as setting out the benefits
of membership.
Looking forward to the New
Year, and the pleasure of sharing the programme with you.
Diana Adams
ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
NEWS
THE AMAZING CHANG
– THE MAGIC OF WHITTINGTON-WICKES
Our very successful exhibition about
the life and work of Samuel Whittington-Wickes (1893-1970) came to an
end on 10th January. There have been a variety of magic
related events for all ages including a magic show by Roy Davenport.
SANTA’S GROTTO
On 12th December we had our
annual Santa’s Grotto event. It was a fun packed day with lots
of activities to entertain the entire family. The event was officially
opened by the Chairman of Warwick District Council, Councillor Norman
Pratt and Councillor Sue Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Culture.
Children from Telford Infant School started the activities with a performance
of Hosanna Rock, a lively series of songs that tell the story
of the Nativity. Further entertainment was provided by Clive Chandler
and his Punch and Judy puppet show. Children could also have a
go at some craft activities, with a chance to make their own Christmas
decoration and write a letter to Santa. The letters didn’t have
to go far as Santa was with us and children were able to meet him and
received a small gift. Refreshments were provided by FLAG and
we are very grateful to those members who helped out by serving drinks
and biscuits on the day. Santa’s Grotto was the last event for
2009, but we have a packed programme of events for 2010. We hope
to see some of you there.
WATER-SHED
The opening of the next exhibition,
water-shed: New Work by Edmund de Waal, is fast approaching.
The exhibition, which begins on Friday 22nd January, features
a new work commissioned to respond to the collections at Leamington
Spa Art Gallery & Museum and to the Royal Pump Rooms themselves.
Water-shed, which is now complete and ready for display, is a large
cabinet filled with ceramic pots in aquatic blue and grey glazes.
This intriguing installation piece draws on the concept of how vessels
have been used within medical treatments. The other works featured
in the exhibition reflect the artist’s recent work and will explore
the medium of contemporary ceramics.
An exciting programme of exhibitions
accompanies this exhibition. Edmund de Waal will be talking about
his practice and the works in the exhibition on Thursday 4th
February at 6.30pm. The talk is free to FLAG members and will
be a fantastic opportunity to hear more about contemporary ceramics
from the artist himself. Telephone 01926 742700 to reserve your place.
RIDGEWAY MEAT DISH
We have recently acquired a blue and
white ceramic meat dish featuring a transfer print of an early view
of the Royal Pump Rooms. The dish was made around 1840 by John
Ridgeway in Staffordshire. We are very grateful to FLAG for funding
half of the purchase cost.
EXCITING NEWS
Chloe Johnson has recently become a proud
mum to baby Alfie. Sarah Brown, who joins us from the Barber Institute,
is taking over as Curatorial Officer and looking after our art collection
while Chloe is on maternity leave.
From all the staff at the Art Gallery
& Museum, thank you for your support in 2009. We are looking
forward to a busy and fun filled 2010.
