A visit to this very family friendly exhibition that all fans of monster stories for children will love
Some monsters just aren’t that scary – in fact, they’re kind of soft, brightly coloured and very cuddly. But then there are the others…
The good news is that at the rather wonderful new exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, Myths and Monsters, there are lots and lots of cuddly ones, and just a few of the others. Best of all, though, is that these include the creations of such children’s literary luminaries as Alex Scheffler (The Gruffalo), Michael Foreman (War Boy, Stubby and The Littlest Dinosaur), Cressida Cowell (How to Train Your Dragon), Victoria Topping (Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greece) and Chris Mould (The Iron Man).
You will need to book ahead, particularly for the busy weekend time slots, but this is most certainly worth the effort. As soon as you enter the exhibition, the walls filled with familiar images, along with a fair few new creations, that are just a joy to see. Of course the exhibition starts with a certain monster complete with purple prickles and purple eyes, not to mention his terrible tusks in this terrible jaws. OK, my children might be just a little to old for the Gruffalo, but their mum and I aren’t and it was great to see these wonderful images.
As we made out way around, we all picked out our favourites, with Chris Mould’s evocative images from the classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, along with his reimagining of Ted Hughes’ The Iron Man being just fantastic. Pénélope Bagieu’s graphic novel version of Roald Dahl’s The Witches is also a real winner.
Alongside the pictures is a corner display and video workshop from Kristina Stephenson, author of the Sir Charlie Stinky Socks series, along with her new book The Museum of Marvellous Things. Kristina’s film offers tips on how to create your own monster exhibits which can be brought along to the gallery to join in the exhibition!
Along the main exhibits, the exhibition includes a range of monstrous activities to enjoy, all of which take part between 11am and 1pm, and are free with an exhibition tickets
A Monster Day Out
Come along to the gallery for a special family-friendly event on Monday 20 December. Start at The Little Theatre for an 11am screening of the Pixar hit movie Monsters Inc, followed by a private view of the Myths and Monsters exhibition at the gallery from 1pm-4pm.
Monster Match
Create a spikey, furry or spooky monster.
8 and 9 January 2022
5 and 6 February 2022
Monster Mobile
Make a flying monster mobile using card and string.
4 and 5 December 2021
15 and 16 January 2022
12 and 13 February 2022
Monster Marine
Create a sea-going monster using tissue paper and pens.
11 and 12 December 2021
22 and 23 January 2022
Monster Metal
Make a moving monster using metallic card.
18 and 19 December 2021
29 and 30 January 2022
Monster Mask
Turn yourself in a monster, make a mask or headdress.
22 and 25 February 2022
And if the exhibition justs gets too much and you need to sit down and enjoy a story with your children, the super inviting bean bags, sofa and chair offer the perfect opportunity. Go on, indulge, it’s just the perfect spot.
Myths And Monsters is just the latest of a wonderful series of children’s exhibitions and events hosted at thte Victoria Art Gallery, and there are plenty more to enjoy in the new year. While you’re there, don’t forget to pay a visit to the main gallery upstairs, which combines the chances to see some exceptional works of art with trails and activities for children. A wonderful Bath venue.