Derby Museums Workshops and Activities for Adults

Sketching and Painting from Nature
Join painter Deborah Allitt to make drawings and paintings from the museum’s natural history collection. The David Measures 'Cressbrook Dale' exhibition at Derby Museum and Art Gallery is a collection of sketches and paintings of natural habitats in Derbyshire. Deborah Allitt will lead two workshops inspired by this work:-

1. Sketching from Nature Derby Museum and Art Gallery
An opportunity to study the ‘Cressbrook Dale’ exhibition with artist Deborah Allitt, then make sketches from the natural history objects on show in the museum with expert tuition and support. Please bring you own materials.

20 February 10.30 – 12.30 £5.00 Book to ensure a place

2. Painting from Nature at the Rycote Centre, Parker St, DE1 3HF
Work with Deborah Allitt to develop your sketches into paintings. Preserved butterflies, beetles and other beauties from the museum’s handling collection will be available for reference and inspiration. Please bring your own materials.

27 February 10.30 – 12.30 £ 5.00 Book to ensure a place

Writing Historical Fiction Central Library Meeting Room, The Strand
Join novelist Judith Allnatt to learn techniques for developing historical fiction using objects from Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Judith Allnatt, novelist and experienced creative writing workshop leader, is based in the midlands. Her new novel, ‘The Poet’s Wife’ will be available in hardback from February 10th, and her earlier novel, 'A Mile of River', is now available in paperback. In this workshop, Judith will suggest different techniques to develop your creative writing, particularly through the use of museum objects. She will introduce ways to take inspiration from historical objects and also suggest ways in which they can bring authenticity and a sense of time and place to your writing. Find out more about Judith at www.judithallnatt.co.uk

13 March 2010 10.00 – 4.00 £15.00 Book to ensure a place

Museum Creative Writing Group Derby Museum and Art Gallery
An informal group which meets once a month to create writing inspired by museum objects and exhibitions.
First Wednesday of every month, (but not Wed 7th April) 1.00 - 3.00 Free Please book a place.

Museum Reading Group Pickford’s House Museum, 41, Friar Gate
Enjoy a literary lunch break! Come along and read, (or listen to), historical fiction in a period setting.
Monday February 1st 12.30 -1.00
Monday March 1st 12.30 -1.00
Monday June 7th 12.30 -1.00
Free, just drop in.

To book, call in to Derby Museum and Art Gallery, The Strand, DE1 1BS, or ring 01332 641901.