I have recently been researching the various historical, cultural and exciting attractions within my local area, particularly those that are either free or relatively easy on the bank balance, and I have been surprised by how many good days out can be had within such a close distance.
Whilst I am familiar with some of these attractions, whether through prior visits or through local advertising, there are some that I have never really taken full advantage of, such as Birmingham Art Gallery and Museum.
Now as a Fine Art graduate I have of course visited this excellent local gallery before on several occasions - it would be practically unacceptable if I hadn't - but with it being more or less on my doorstep, I was surprised to find that it had so much more to offer than I had previously realised. The gallery is currently being renovated and updated, leaving one gallery off limits for the present, but there is still plenty more to see beyond this and you will find their is something for all the family to enjoy.
The rooms within the gallery are laid out more or less in chronological order, showing the progression of art through the centuries, not just through paintings but through sculptures and furnishings, and it is likely that at some point through your journey around the gallery you will find at least one familiar name amongst the artists, such as Rossetti, Holman-Hunt or Madox Brown.
As you walk around the gallery you will find entertaining activities for children (and certain adults who should know better, such as myself) if you are attending with your family, with jigsaw puzzles of art works to complete, musical instruments to listen to and even a drawing corner, all of which will make your experience more enjoyable.
The particular area that I had never visited before was the World Cultures section, which includes an Egyptian exhibit with several mummies and their x-rays as well as artefacts and information about the Gods to name but a few. This room can be found on the top floor of the gallery and is probably one of my favourites (now that I have actually been there and learnt of it's existence!).
Another must see is of course the Staffordshire Hoard, found just outside Walsall only a few years ago. Even now the finds are still being cleaned and examined and so the exhibition is continuously being updated as this progresses. It is great to see that so many amazing items have survived the centuries and yet remain in such good condition - it will be great to see them again once the conservation process is complete.
There are occasionally exhibitions available that do come at an extra cost, currently being The Poetry of Drawing: Pre-Raphaelite Designs, Studies and Watercolours, which is the largest staged survey of the Pre-Raphaelite drawings and watercolours ever conducted. This however will come at the extra price of £5/6 for adults, £2 for children and runs until May 15th 2011.
Overall I had a great afternoon at the gallery; it was easy to appreciate the creative atmosphere that the whole building embodies. The Midlands in my opinion is not known for it's creative side, so it is really wonderful to have all these great art works easily accessible within the centre of town and free for anyone who wishes to view them.
If you do wish to attend the gallery, check out their website for full details about how to get there, opening times and possible closures up until 2012 whilst the building renovations continue, as well as up and coming exhibitions.
You can find more details about Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, or other associated properties at the following website:
Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries
In the coming weeks I will be continuing my quest to explore more local attractions, branching out into the National Trust and the properties that they have to offer, including Moseley Old Hall and Wightwick Manor.
Caroline
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