Upcoming Events
Coming Home Ira Aldridge
On loan from the National Portrait Gallery this autumn, the portrait of Ira Aldridge (1807– 1867) will go on display in the Picture Gallery. Born in New York, Aldridge came to England in 1824 at the age of seventeen. He first performed on the London stage a year later, going on to become the first black actor known to have established a successful career in Europe. He toured theatres across Britain and Europe, including the Theatre Royal in Bath in…
Find out more »Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years
24 January to 25 May 2020 The first exhibition to survey Grayson Perry’s earliest forays into the art world will re-introduce the explosive and creative works he made between 1982 and 1994. These ground-breaking ‘lost’ pots will be reunited for the first time to focus on the formative years of one of Britain’s most recognisable artists. The show at the Holburne Museum is also remarkable for the fact that many of the 70 items on display have been crowd-sourced from…
Find out more »Up Late Friday: Cloth Collections
Join us on the last Friday of every month from 5-9pm to experience the Museum free after-hours (Grayson Perry exhibition is ticketed). Immerse yourself in an eclectic programme of pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJ-sets and cocktails. Ever wondered how textiles designers inspire new trends? Join Second Year students from Bath Spa University’s Fashion and Interiors course as they reveal how to design for the catwalk and home. Get a sneak peek into their creative processes through live art…
Find out more »Talk: Stories from Makers of Bath
In Partnership with Mytton Williams Book your free ticket through Eventbrite Inspired by Mytton Williams’ book, Made in Bath, this event is a celebration of the dynamic spirit of makers in the city. Enjoy fascinating and inspirational, PechaKucha (Japanese for chit-chat) style, talks from 8 brilliant local makers including creatives, crafts people, engineers and innovators. Each maker will present 20 slides for 20 seconds. Garden Café open 6–7pm Speakers: Ed Robin – Mytton Williams Stephen Melville – Format Engineers Dan…
Find out more »Tour: Women of the Holburne – The Untold Stories
Guided tours to celebrate International Women’s Day FREE (with Museum admission) Tours last 30 mins, starting on the hour. Please sign up on arrival as numbers are limited. Sun 8 March from 12–4pm Wed 11 March from 1–4pm Picture credit: Angelica Kauffman, Henrietta Laura Pulteney, about 1777 © The Holburne Museum
Find out more »Talk: Why is the Mona Lisa the World’s Most Famous Picture? with Richard Kay
In partnership with Lawrences Auctioneers Leonardo's Mona Lisa may claim to be the most famous image in Western Art. 98% of all the visitors to the Louvre go to see it: over 6,000,000 people every year. In this talk, Richard Kay assesses the origins of the picture and its history, its allure in popular culture and he considers two very different reasons why Leonardo's masterpiece has now acquired a truly untouchable degree of fame 500 years after it was…
Find out more »Tour: Women of the Holburne – The Untold Stories
Guided tours to celebrate International Women’s Day FREE (with Museum admission) Tours last 30 mins, starting on the hour. Please sign up on arrival as numbers are limited. Sun 8 March from 12–4pm Wed 11 March from 1–4pm Picture credit: Angelica Kauffman, Henrietta Laura Pulteney, about 1777 © The Holburne Museum
Find out more »In Conversation: Iain R Webb
Iain R. Webb* To complement Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years, fashion writer Iain R Webb, Neo-Naturist founder member Miss Christine Binnie and DJ/writer Princess Julia explore the 1980s post-punk counter-cultural explosion, centred on clubs like Billy’s, Blitz, Hell, and Taboo and captured in magazines like BLITZ and i-D. Iain R Webb is Professor of Fashion & Design at Kingston School of Art and Fashion Features Editor-at-Large of Ponystep magazine. He has been fashion editor of BLITZ, The Evening Standard, Harpers…
Find out more »Concert: John Law’s Renaissance: A new birth of old meets new
John Law (Midi keyboards and laptop) Jon Lloyd (Saxophone) Patrick Dunn (Visuals) In partnership with no_place_arts Join us for an evening of music and art with composer John Law, saxophonist Jon Lloyd and acclaimed visual artist Patrick Dunn (read detailed biographies). Expect a night of ambient, minimalist music played over electronic loops of sacred vocal scores (including samplings of Byrd, Tallis, Palestrina, Victoria, Josquin and Ockeghem) and paired with synchronised and expressive light-art. Enjoy ethereal, ambient improvisations with subtle jazz…
Find out more »Adult Workshop: Botanical Illustration: Drawing Spring
Capture the beauty of nature in this one-day workshop with botanical artist, Julia Trickey. You will be introduced to the techniques and processes used to create delicate and detailed botanical portraits. Starting with simple line drawings you will be encouraged to focus on the form and detail of seasonal plants, before learning how to depict these in graphite, pen and ink as well as white pencil on black paper. We will draw inspiration from a range of contemporary botanical artists.…
Find out more »Art Masterclass for 11-18Yrs: Say it with Art!
For 11-18 year olds Making simple line drawings of ourselves and what we see around us; create art which says something. Take inspiration from the Holburne collection and the work of contemporary artists such as Grayson Perry and Bob and Roberta Smith. Outcomes will include a large banner or flag using (recycled) plastic fusion and a vase or vessel made with armiture, mod roc and by working onto the surface with engraving, paint and collaged images. Led by Lucia Harley…
Find out more »Talk: Densities of meaning in West Namibian landscapes with Professor Sian Sullivan
FREE (Bath Spa Public Lecture Series) Book online at www.bathspalive.com Join Sian Sullivan, Professor of Environment and Culture at Bath Spa University, to find out more about her research in west Namibia where she has carried out ethnographic and oral history field work for 25 years. Using spoken word, audio and video to draw alternative understandings of land and nature into view this talk explores the cost to indigenous people in the creation of a celebrated pristine wilderness. This talk…
Find out more »Up Late Friday: Common Salt – Performance Art
Join us on the last Friday of every month from 5-9pm to experience the Museum free after-hours (Grayson Perry exhibition is ticketed). Immerse yourself in an eclectic programme of pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJ-sets and cocktails. Garden Cafe serving drinks until 8.45pm Common Salt Performances at 5pm and 7.30pm (Please note: seating is limited. Pre-bookable tickets are available from Eventbrite A limited number of seated tickets will be released on the night) Common Salt is a 70-minute performance…
Find out more »Saturday Art Club: Mini Me
Saturday Art Club for 5-11 year olds Mini Me : Discover the Holburne’s collection of miniature portraits and paint your own keepsake on a wooden medallion. NOW SOLD OUT - email for waiting list A monthly workshop (term-time, excluding bank holiday weekends) for aspiring young artists. Expand your skills and discover new techniques, exploring the Museum collection and temporary exhibitions with our experienced artists, creating something special to take home. Please note that this is a drop off session for…
Find out more »Talk: An Evening with Grayson Perry FULLY BOOKED
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED This event will be held at Locksbrook Campus, Bath Spa University. Grayson Perry is one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists. Join him as he discusses his artistic practice in this special event celebrating the Holburne Museum’s major touring exhibition: Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years. 24 Jan - 25 May 2020 THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED Event Location: Please note: this event will be hosted at Locksbrook Campus, Bath Spa University, BA1 3EL. Doors open 6.30pm. Transport…
Find out more »Adult Workshop: An Introduction to Painting Portrait Miniatures
Learn how to create an exquisite portrait miniature painting with award-winning artist, Jenny Brooks. In this two-day workshop you will be taught about the history of portrait miniature painting and the specialist techniques needed to work on a micro scale. Day One (10.30am-4.30pm) will be spent learning about colour-matching, painting procedures including composition and calligraphy, and practicing trace-down drawing methods. Day Two (10.30am-4.30pm) will be spent working up your drawing watercolours to create your finished miniature masterpiece. This two-day workshop…
Find out more »Easter Art Camp: for 5-11 yrs
Easter Art Camp: for 5-11 yrs: Monday 6 to Thursday 9 April Days packed full of fun; creative activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions, led by our experienced team of artists. 9am-4pm £40 per day; £20 discount for booking 4 consecutive days. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: CLICK BUY BUTTON BELOW TO BOOK FOR THE WEEK CLICK HERE TO BOOK INDIVIDUAL DAYS Holiday Art Camps are also available, Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May Booking the…
Find out more »Easter Art Camp: for 5-11 yrs
Easter Art Camp: for 5-11 yrs: Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April Days packed full of fun; creative activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions, led by our experienced team of artists. 9am-4pm £40 per day; £20 discount for booking 4 consecutive days. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: CLICK BUY BUTTON BELOW TO BOOK FOR THE WEEK CLICK HERE TO BOOK INDIVIDUAL DAYS Holiday Art Camps are also available: Monday 6 to Thursday 9 April Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May Booking the…
Find out more »Up Late Friday: Clay Workshops
Join us on the last Friday of every month from 5-9pm to experience the Museum free after-hours (Grayson Perry exhibition is ticketed). Immerse yourself in an eclectic programme of pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJ-sets and cocktails. Clay Workshops - Inspired by Grayson Perry Garden Cafe serving drinks until 8.45pm
Find out more »Saturday Art Club: Exploring Glass
Saturday Art Club for 5-11 year olds Exploring Glass Fully Booked Email for waiting list Taking inspiration from the collection, create your own stained glass-effect art work. A monthly workshop (term-time, excluding bank holiday weekends) for aspiring young artists. Expand your skills and discover new techniques, exploring the Museum collection and temporary exhibitions with our experienced artists, creating something special to take home. Please note that this is a drop off session for children. We are unable to accommodate parents/carers,…
Find out more »Art Masterclass for 11-18 yrs: Light and Dark
Light and Dark Explore Tone and Form and help develop your drawing skills by studying details of the paintings in the Holburne collection and producing explorations in a variety of media. Develop ideas further by working from direct observation in pencil, charcoal, biro and mixed media, focusing on highlights and shadows from a Still Life arrangement. Maximum 12 places. All materials included. The tutor Hannah has an MA in Fine Art and creates work that encompasses drawing, sculpture and installation.…
Find out more »The Frank Brown Concert
Join Nathaniel Mander and Sam Brown in our annual celebration of Frank Brown’s contribution to the Holburne. Nathaniel Mander and Sam Brown present an evening of music in the Picture Gallery. We are thrilled to welcome back Nat, a virtuoso harpsichordist, and his partner the lutenist Sam Brown. For the past five years they have presented different artists to form a ‘Holburne Ensemble’. This year they are joined by Charlotte La Thrope and Sergio Bucheli. English soprano Charlotte La Thrope…
Find out more »Talk: Wordsworth at 250
With Jeff Cowton, Professor Stephen Gill, Professor John Strachan and Professor Robert Morrison FREE (Bath Spa Public Lecture Series) Book online at www.bathspalive.com A celebration of the great Romantic poet (1770-1850) whose collaboration with S.T. Coleridge The Lyrical Ballads was published in Bristol in 1798. Featuring Jeff Cowton (Curator, Dove Cottage), Professor Stephen Gill (Wordsworth biographer and Emeritus Professor of the University of Oxford), and Bath Spa Professors John Strachan (Pro-Vice-Chancellor), and Robert Morrison (British Academy Global Professor). Picture credit:…
Find out more »Saturday Art Club: Clay Plate Design
Saturday Art Club for 5-11 year olds Clay Plate Design - FULLY BOOKED Email for waiting list Make your own clay dinner service inspired by the beautiful ceramics in the Museum. A monthly workshop (term-time, excluding bank holiday weekends) for aspiring young artists. Expand your skills and discover new techniques, exploring the Museum collection and temporary exhibitions with our experienced artists, creating something special to take home. Please note that this is a drop off session for children. We are…
Find out more »Free Drop-in Creativity and Wellbeing Coffee Morning
Pathways to Wellbeing Come for coffee, cake and creativity – a free and friendly event to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. Make something beautiful, inspired by our museum collection and find out about our museums and wellbeing programme which promotes mental health and wellbeing through engaging with the arts and heritage. For more information visit www.holburne.org/learning/community-engagement
Find out more »Art Masterclass for 11-18yrs: ‘Landscape from a Dream’
For 11-18 yrs Explore landscapes within the Holburne collection and in Sydney Gardens. Make drawings using a variety of media and develop these into a frieze: work onto clay using line, texture and then cast in plaster for beautiful results. Paint a surreal landscape making reference to artists and brothers, Paul and John Nash. Develop visual language and composition skills. Maximum 12 places Led by Lucia Harley who works with sculpture and installation. She is a passionate educator with 18…
Find out more »May Holiday Camp: for 5-11 yrs
May Holiday Art Camp: for 5-11 yrs: Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May Days packed full of fun; creative activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions, led by our experienced team of artists. 9am-4pm £40 per day; £20 discount for booking 4 consecutive days. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: CLICK BUY BUTTON BELOW TO BOOK FOR THE WEEK CLICK HERE TO BOOK INDIVIDUAL DAYS Holiday Art Camps are also available: Monday 6 to Thursday 9 April Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April Booking…
Find out more »Music and Art Concert: Duo Antipodes
Enjoy a special concert with Irish Guitarist, Manus Noble, and Australian Cellist, Jehanne Bastoni, as they weave magical performances of Japanese and European solos and duets, including pieces by Joe Hisaishi, Yuquijiro Yocoh, Manus Noble, Manuel de Falla and Arvo Part. Having performed at many of the world’s leading venues across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and more, the duo are well known for their commanding performances and friendly stage manner. They are passionate about arranging (and even composing) much…
Find out more »Up Late Friday: Mindful May
Join us on the last Friday of every month from 5-9pm to experience the Museum free after-hours . Immerse yourself in an eclectic programme of pop-up talks, art demos, installations, performances, DJ-sets and cocktails. Creativity for Wellbeing Back by popular demand! Ease into summer with a joyful programme of relaxing and creative activities focused on boosting positive wellbeing. Most Up Late's are specially curated by student talent and arts practitioners from the Universities of Bath Spa, Bath and Bristol. Garden…
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