Following the Government’s announcement about the easing of lockdown restrictions the team at the Lichfield Street gallery have been preparing new exhibitions as well as putting measures in place to ensure that the building is safe for both staff and visitors.
Measures include track and trace as required by the NHS, a separate entrance and exit and a one-way route around the gallery. Face coverings will need to be worn whilst in the gallery and sanitisation stations will be available. There will be an alternative accessible route available for those who need it.
To celebrate the opening, visitors will be able to see Fantasy Pop, a new exhibition of works from the gallery’s renowned collection, which highlights elements of fantasy found in Pop Art. Another new exhibition, Fantasy or Reality? draws on the strong collection of artworks and objects from around the world to explore the connections between art and fantasy. Both shows are forerunners for our family summer exhibition BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom, which runs from 3 July until 5 September, featuring life-sized models of mythical creatures, knights and wizards.
A special feature within the gallery is The Wall of Heroes, a mural created by staff from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to celebrate International Year of the Nurse and Midwives 2020.
Visitors will also have another chance to see Stellar: Stars of our Contemporary Collection, on until 20 June, The [Spaces] In-between, on until 23 May, and Windrush Generation Experiences Online, on until 4 June.
City of Wolverhampton Council Director of Regeneration, Richard Lawrence, said: “The team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery has done a fantastic job in making art accessible to all during lockdown and like them I am delighted we are able to open again.
“There is still a chance to see a number of fantastic exhibitions that unfortunately had to close early, but we also have a number of new and exciting exhibitions that visitors can see.
“In line with the Government guidance a number of social distancing measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors as residents’ safety is paramount in everything we do.
“I do hope residents will take this opportunity to indulge in art again and explore the collection and touring exhibitions as we look forward to the year ahead.”
A video is also available at Wolverhampton Arts & Culture to outline what to expect when you visit.
Throughout 2021 there are a number of exciting developments at Wolverhampton Art Gallery that will improve the visitor experience. The Art Gallery Improvement Scheme commences in June where the first floor café will be relocated to the ground floor as well as further development to the existing galleries, there will be a new ramped entrance/exit into St Peter’s Garden as well as fantastic conference facilities available. In January 2022 the city will be host to the largest touring contemporary art exhibition British Art Show 9 that will be on display at the Art Gallery and the University of Wolverhampton School of Art. There will also be a number of in-house and touring exhibitions at the Lichfield Street gallery. For more information visit Wolverhampton Arts & Culture.
All exhibitions are free, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery will be open Monday to Saturday (10.30am until 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am until 4pm). Entry to the gallery is free. The first floor café will also be open, serving a limited menu.
