Famous characters inspire films, gallery tours and talks at City Museum and Art Gallery - The Box, Plymouth

By: Jo Clarke
Added: 25 June 2014

Explorers, artists, politicians and royalty are all featured on the City Museum and Art Gallery’s programme of events for adults this July.

Ernest Shackleton, whose Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition set sail from Plymouth in 1914, is the subject of a lunchtime talk at 1.10pm on Tuesday 1 July. Paul Davies from the Devon and Cornwall Polar Society will look at Shackleton’s local connections and this last major expedition of the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’, which became an epic feat of endurance.

A free screening of ‘Elizabeth’ is on offer from 1.30pm on Saturday 5 July. This award-winning film starring Cate Blanchett tells the story of the early years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. It is being screened in connection with the Museum’s ‘A Royal Game’ sculpture going on display after more than 20 years on loan.

David Lloyd-George (Prime Minister from 1916-22) and Winston Churchill (Prime Minister from 1940-45 and 1951-55) will be the subject of the lunchtime talk from 1.10pm on Tuesday 8 July. Professor Richard Toye from the University of Exeter will discuss both men’s reputations as two of our greatest wartime leaders.

Famous artists Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol will feature in Art Bites gallery tours from 1pm to 1.30pm on Wednesday 9 and 23 July. The artists are all featured in the current ‘Modern Masters in Print’ exhibition which is on a national tour from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

The other artist featured in this exhibition, Henri Matisse, will be the subject of the lunchtime talk at 1.10pm on Tuesday 15 July. Tate Guide, Alan Read will discuss the famous French artist who, although known for his use of colour in his paintings, mainly worked in black and white with his prints.

Admission to the Museum and Art Gallery’s lunchtime talks is just £2 per person. Full details can be found online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/museumlectures

Admission to Art Bites gallery tours and film screenings is free. More information about these can be found online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/museumartbites and www.plymouth.gov.uk/museumfilms

Advance booking is advised for all these events although any unreserved places will be available on the day.

For full information about the Museum and Art Gallery’s events and activities visit the what’s on section of www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk or call 01752 304774.

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Notes to editors

For further information, interviews or photograph opportunities contact Jo Clarke on 01752 306228 or email jo.clarke@plymouth.gov.uk