NEWS FEED
A breath-taking exhibition that lines the gallery walls of Poole Museum has been hailed as a once if a lifetime opportunity.
‘Lines of thought: Drawings from Michelangelo to now’ showcases 70 sketches and drawings from some of the finest artists the world has ever seen, with prestigious works by Picasso, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Bridget Riley highlighting this extraordinary collection.
Due to the light sensitive nature of these works, one of which is an Egyptian papyrus dating back to 1st century BC, these pieces of art can only be bought out into the public eye for a maximum of twelve months in every 10 years, before being returned to the British Museum, where they are carefully looked after.
This magical, exclusive display is the result of a collaboration formed between the British Museum, in whose collection these wonderful pieces of art normally reside, and The Bridget Riley Art Foundation. The aim of the exhibit, which opened its doors to the public on Saturday 3 September, is to encourage people, young and old, to pick up their pencils and be inspired by the masters to sketch and explore the lost art of drawing.
Prior to this free exhibit opening on Saturday, an exclusive preview took place on Friday evening, with attendees including the exhibit curator Isabel Seligman, the British Museum’s Simon Sainsbury Keeper of Prints and Drawings Hugo Chapman, and Cllr Xena Dion, Mayor of Poole.
Cllr Dion, sketchbook and pencil in hand, spoke of her excitement to have such a wonderful exhibit in Poole. “It is fantastic to know that Poole has been chosen as the first of only three venues in the UK, and very few internationally, to host such a rare and incredible exhibition.
“This display, which has been so provocatively and aptly named, provides an exceptional opportunity for people across the region to experience a selection of some of the finest drawings around.
“We are so grateful to the British Museum for entrusting us with these beautiful works, and I am sure that all visitors, myself included, will enjoy many hours sketching, studying, and soaking up the artistic genius that resides with us for the next couple of months.”
Cllr Mohan Iyengar, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure said “Lines of Thought has been given national coverage and praise by art critics in the Telegraph and Guardian. And it’s here in Poole – in our High Street and free to go. It’s only a short run, so go, visit!
‘Lines of thought: Drawings from Michelangelo to now’ is on display at Poole Museum until 6 November 2016. After Poole, the exhibit will move to Hull, Belfast, and the USA, before returning to the British Museum Archives for another decade.
The accompanying book, Lines of thought by Isabel Seligman is available to order at Poole Museum, and all visitors are invited to use the free sketching materials provided during their visit.
For more information about the exhibit, visit www.poolemuseum.co.uk/whats-on/exhibitions.
