Dragons will take over the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath this summer for a family orientated show, Here Be Dragons (22 July-8 October 2017).
Ever popular in literature, films and art, the dragon is a creature to be loved and loathed, perhaps, but never cuddled, stroked or offended! Visitors to this awe-inspiring exhibition can expect to encounter a veritable dragon’s den – in two and three dimensions – crammed with creatures that have leapt out of their favourite books.
The show will mine a rich seam of dragon lore, with images by some of the world’s best children’s illustrators, including Chris Riddell (Ottaline and Goth Girl), Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo), Quentin Blake and Cressida Cowell (How to Train Your Dragon). There will be more than 70 pieces on show, with something for visitors of all ages, from ‘touch and feel’ art for babies to scary, fire-breathing dragons for older fans.
Exciting dragon events, workshops and storytelling sessions will take place at the Bath & North East Somerset Council-run gallery, including an opening celebration where children can help create a Lego mosaic of Cressida Cowell’s Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus, which will be displayed in the show. Copies of famous dragon tales will be available to browse in the story corner and purchase in the gallery shop, and there will be a special augmented reality dragon trail around Bath.
The exhibition is guest curated by John and Gill McLay, founders of Bath Children’s Literature Festival. Gill McLay said, “In everything we do, we try to bring together art, story and entertainment and the exhibition will do just that. A true celebration of the illustrator, we hope this family-focused exhibition will bring families together in their love of dragons and the world of imagination. We’re hugely excited to be working with the team at the Victoria Art Gallery and grateful for the opportunity to share some breathtaking artwork with children of all ages.”
www.victoriagal.org.uk/dragons
Family events
Lego workshop
Saturday 22 July
10.30am-4.30pm
Celebrate the opening of the exhibition by taking part in our Lego public build mosaic. Children will jointly build an artwork to go in the show – Cressida Cowell’s very own Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus.
Face of the Dragon
Wednesday 26 July
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 3 to 7
Create a colourful dragon mask.
Dragon Modelling
Friday 28 July
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 6 to 11
Create a dragon using pipe cleaners and foam.
Dragon Printing
Wednesday 2 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 3 to 7
Create dragons using a clever printing technique.
Dragon Allsorts
Friday 4 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 6 to 11
Draw and paint a dragon.
Snapping Dragons
Wednesday 9 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 3 to 7
Make a dragon model.
Dragon’s First Breath
Friday 11 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 6 to 11
Create a paper craft dragon’s egg.
Head of the Dragon
Wednesday 16 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 3 to 7
Create a dragon headdress.
Dragon Puppets
Friday 18 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 6 to 11
Use a folding technique to create dragon puppets.
Enchanted Castle
Wednesday 23 August
10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm
Ages 3 to 11
Be a princess or knight battling a dragon.
Included in admission price, no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.