A new family-friendly exhibition opens on 13 May at Christchurch Mansion, with a selection of animal art from Ipswich Museum’s collection exhibited in the Wolsey Art Gallery.
This free exhibition gives visitors the chance to see some of the beloved animal-themed Ipswich collection on temporary display within the Mansion, while Ipswich Museum is closed for refurbishment.
The display explores British wildlife alongside artistic depictions of animals in all shapes and sizes, from the Middle Ages to the present day, with artworks that reflect different animal habitats – woodland to coastal, gardens to urban – and, different animals featured in the many pictures, sculpture, and ceramics on display.
Artists featured include Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable, Anna Airy, Sir Alfred Munnings, George Thomas Rope, Max Ernst, Amy K Browning, Bernard Reynolds, Leonard Squirrell, Fernand Leger and Colin Moss. The East Anglian Traditional Art Centre is also lending a significant collection of artworks by the Suffolk artist and naturalist George Thomas Rope.
A creative studio is also in place linked to the exhibition’s animal theme, where visitors can make their own animal inspired art in a dedicated space to play, draw and be creative!
Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums says:
“This exhibition provides a wonderful selection of images with animals in mind, that animal lovers will really appreciate. With a wide variety of animals featured - including dogs, cats and horses - visitors of all ages will be see many different animals portrayed in art over time.
With an interactive area for young people, it’s a great exhibition for families with young children to visit and engage with well-known artists and be inspired to create their own animal art.”
The Animals in the Art Gallery exhibition can be found at Christchurch Mansion until Sunday 14 April 2024, admission is free.
