Milton Weekend at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
A number of free events and activities will be taking place at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth this year of John Milton, the great poet and polemicist of the English Civil War.
Performances in the museum’s Round Room will feature recitals of seventeenth century music by the Isis String Trio (courtesy of Birmingham Conservatoire), interspersed with dramatic readings from Milton’s Paradise Lost by actor, Richard Stokes. In the centre of the round room is Jacob Epstein’s statue Lucifer – which was inspired by the character in Paradise Lost.
Visitors can explore the Milton theme throughout the galleries as there are several other works relating to the poet on display. These include a ‘Stained Glass Design for the Young Milton’ by Ford Madox Brown, Rodin’s ‘Eve’, and Jon Michael Rysbrack’s portrait bust of Milton.
As part of the nationwide ‘Big Draw’ event there will be drop in workshops where families with children will be able to try their hand at 17th century inspired still-life drawing. Now in its ninth year, is a month long programme of drawing events organised throughout the country for budding artists of all abilities and ages.
Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said:
“This weekend of activities will allow people of all ages to experience and find out more about one of England’s most celebrated poets. There will also be plenty of family friendly activities, so that the event will appeal to people of all ages.
The Milton Weekend event is from 1.00 - 4.00pm each day. The activities are repeated both days and are all free of charge.
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