Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

In the winter of 1939 an extraordinary art project was begun. Beneath the spectres of invasion and aerial bombing, the Scheme for Recording the Changing Face of Britain rapidly commissioned artists to paint ‘places and buildings of characteristic national interest’. The resulting collection of over 1500 paintings created a remarkable, yet highly selective, snapshot of a fast-changing country.

Now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, Recording Britain features many beautiful watercolours by prolific artists such as John Piper and Kenneth Rowntree, along with a host of lesser-known contributors. By focusing on quiet corners and local scenes Recording Britain takes us off the beaten track of iconic British landmarks and postcard images.

In addition to works from the original collection, the exhibition will feature a host of contemporary works including paintings and photographs by Conrad Atkinson, Richard Long, David Nash and Laura Oldfield Ford. Shown alongside these will be works from the Herbert’s collections, depicting the landscape of Coventry and Warwickshire.

Exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

New Art West Midlands 2015 showcases exciting new work from artists who have recently graduated from art schools in the region.

Painting, sculpture, photography and film are represented in the exhibition, demonstrating a variety of artistic approaches, influences and ideas. The exhibition will be taking place across three other partnership venues: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/new-art-west-midlands

Join the wonderful ensemble 1685 for a musical performance to uplift and inspire.

ensemble 1685 is a singers' group, based in Coventry, which has built a reputation for innovative encounters with vocal music, unplugged, from across a thousand years of Western history. Their music, performed live in a flexible and informal way, can surprise and comfort listeners at every level.

Booking is not required.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/ensemble-1685-6

A special opportunity to see original documents from the Coventry Borough Archive related to Elizabeth I including one with her famous signature.

Coventry History Centre holds an extraordinary collection of historical documents and this event will showcase some these rarely seen gems, presented and discussed by leading experts

Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.
Children aged 15+ may find this interesting but it is primarily for adults.

Suitable for

• 16-17
• 18+

Admission

£10 admission.
Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/life-and-loves-queen-bess-%E2%80%93-elizabeth-i-coventry-history-centre-archive

Continuing our work with early years, Play Day's gives children aged 1-3 an opportunity to explore and investigate through sensory play.

Using a variety of recycled materials, fabrics and tactile objects each time, we create a relaxed play space that will encourage creativity in children and adults.

Drop in, no booking required.

Suitable for

• 0-4

Admission

£1 admission.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/early-years-play-days-4

We are very excited to be hosting our first Spring Makes Craft & Art Fair!

Following the success of Making Merry we invite you to jump into spring with a fun and interesting day for all. Be inspired by local craftspeople demonstrating their talents, impressed with the artists' work and treat yourself or someone else to a unique treat.

If you like the idea of making a unique handmade object you’ll find stallholders offering you the opportunity to create under their guidance. Or why not take part in one of our workshops as a gift for yourself or someone else whilst having fun and learning a new skill? We’ll release details about these soon.

Don’t forget Mother’s day is just the week after so come along and find the perfect gift that’s just a bit different from the norm.

If you are an artist or craftsperson who would like to apply for a stall please visit http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/spring-makes-craft-art-fair.

Suitable for

• Family friendly

Admission

Free admission but workshop charges may apply.

Join Curator Gill Saunders from the V&A for an insight into the Recording Britain exhibition.

She will also share knowledge about the project which created the work on display, and an introduction to post-war art.

Booking is not required.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/herbert-illumination-recording-britain-curators-talk

Discover more about real life storytelling at this workshop led by Cat Weatherall, and learn the skills needed to take part in a storytelling event.

There will be guest slots in The Mee Club on Sunday 29 March to share your own tales with a live audience.
Find out more about The Mee Club on their website www.themeeclub.com

Suitable for adults.
Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Suitable for

• Not suitable for children

Admission

Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/mee-club-%E2%80%93-workshop

A true-life telling event to hear real stories, told straight from the heart, by internationally renowned storyteller Cat Weatherill and other experienced local tellers.

There will be guest slots to share your own tales with a live audience. Stories must be true, about you, no longer than seven minutes and told, not read aloud.

There is a workshop where you can learn more about the skills needed for storytelling on Sunday 22 March.
Find out more about The Mee Club on their website www.themeeclub.com

Suitable for adults.
Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Suitable for

• 18+

Admission

Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/mee-club

Artist Craig Gilman will help you get Painty just for fun!

Come and play in a relaxed and fun environment, and create a masterpiece to take home. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary.

Suitable for adults.
Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Suitable for

• 18+

Admission

£10 admission.
Booking is required, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/painty-recording-coventry

Join us in a series of fun investigations as you become a super sleuth museum detective!

Investigate new ways of working with art materials, examine clues in archaeological finds, and help to solve a crime that has taken place in one of our galleries in a ‘whodun- it’ spectacular!

Events run from Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 & Monday 13 – Friday 17 April.

Drop in. Content suitable for 5+ but all are welcome.
Individual workshop charges may apply.

Suitable for

• Family friendly
• Especially for children

Admission

Individual workshop charges may apply.
Booking is required for some workshops, please go to www.theherbert.org.

Jack Shuttleworth, co-founder of Harpotunities, delves into some passions about the history, culture and future of the harp.

Spanning centuries and continents, this talk will be illustrated by recorded and live music, and give the audience a chance to try out this wonderful instrument afterwards.

Booking is not required.

Website

http://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/events-exhibitions/herbert-illuminations-harping-on