Anyone who enjoys a visit to historic sites, whether intact or in ruins will love the next exhibition opening on 26 September at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum. Living Ruins features artworks from the eighteenth century to the present day which explore the lure of the ruin and our fascination with what has passed.
Curated in partnership with Meadow Arts who have also curated the current In Ruins exhibition at nearby Witley Court, the exhibition brings to Worcester a series of exciting works on loan from Tate, which will be shown alongside important artworks from the museum's collection, including archaeological artefacts.
Ruins have the power to fascinate like few other subjects and have been present in art from the sixteenth century onwards, becoming increasingly popular in the eighteenth century thanks to artists who engaged in the Grand Tour to see Italy's classical monuments and landscape. A lust for ruins was born and continued well into the 20th century.
A programme of family activities begins at the Art Gallery & Museum on Saturday 28 September with a Recycled Ruins workshop with artist Mark Riley making 3D buildings. On from 11am – 1pm the workshop costs £5 per child, to book call the Gallery on 01905 25371.
On Saturday 9 November families can take a tour of Urban Ruins in Worcester and then enjoy a fun ruins themed activity at the Art Gallery & Museum with artist Andrew Howe. On from 11am – 2pm, tickets for adults are £6.50 and children and concessions £5, to book call the Gallery on 01905 25371. For a full list of Living Ruins activities please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
Worcester residents are also asked to nominate their Living Ruin on Instagram and Twitter using #livingruin
Living Ruins is free and open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm. For more information contact the Art Gallery and Museum on 01905 25371 or visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk or follow @worcestermuseum
This exhibition has been made possible through the Ferryman Project: Sharing Works of Art which is supported by National Lottery Players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the John Ellerman Foundation and Art Fund.
