I recently took my two young children, aged 4 and 3, to the free "Picture This" exhibition at The Lowry in Salford. We visited on a Saturday around lunchtime and, to my surprise, the venue was quite serene, making our experience even more enjoyable.
The "Picture This" exhibition delves into the evocative and mesmerising world of children's literature, featuring six popular children's books known for their strong visual identity. The exhibition showcases illustrations and artwork from each book, alongside filmed snippets from their stage adaptations, complete with props, costume designs, and posters. The featured books include "Room on the Broom," "Coming to England," "Wild," "The Little Prince," "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland," and "You Choose."
My children were particularly enchanted by the "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" room. A large table at the centre offered various games like snakes and ladders, noughts and crosses, and matching pairs, keeping them thoroughly entertained. The whimsical illustrations by Chris Riddell added an extra layer of magic to the room.
The "Room on the Broom" section was another highlight for my children. Familiar with the story, they enjoyed dressing up in the costumes provided. I enjoyed seeing the mini replica set from the stage adaptation and looking at the actual costumes used in the performances added a touch of theatrical charm that we all appreciated.
One of the most engaging parts of the exhibition was the "Wild" section. My son, Leo, loved the music tree, a small wooden structure adorned with various musical instruments that children could play. This interactive element was a delightful way for him to connect with the story’s theme of nature and wilderness.
The reading corner was another favourite spot, offering a cosy area with a wide selection of books to choose from.
In the "Coming to England" section, there was a charming interactive game where children could choose five items to pack in a suitcase for a holiday. This simple yet engaging activity sparked their imaginations and curiosity about the story of Floella Benjamin’s journey to England.
In the "Coming to England" section there is a stage which hosts various activities, including daily readings of the featured books and other titles, performances, and artist-led workshops. On our visit, a poet performed and involved the children in her recital. She enlisted them to hold prop umbrellas and join in with the actions for some of her poems, which my kids absolutely loved. The poet’s engaging approach made the experience even more special.
Overall, "Picture This" is a wonderful exhibition for families. The interactive elements and engaging displays cater perfectly to young children, making it a fun and educational outing. The combination of visual art and performance brings these beloved stories to life in a way that is both enchanting and memorable. I highly recommend "Picture This" for a magical family day out filled with creativity and joy.
The Picture This exhibition is on at The Lowry until 30th October 2022, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
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