The team writes:
This year the circus is coming to town. Join us for circus themed activities and performances inspired by Jan Adam Kruseman’s posthumous portrait of the celebrated Victorian adventurer and circus performer, Giovanni Battista Belzoni, known as ‘The Great Belzoni’. Starting from 11.00 till 15.00 each day, circus themed free art making activities will be available, as well as Story Time, Family Tours around our current Beggarstaffs exhibition and special shows.
On Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July, a new show starring two women scientists turned circus performers.
Ever wondered how you balance a chair on your chin, juggle liquid? Aoife Raleigh and Maria Corcoran are StrongWomen in Science, and together they reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks. The 35 minute performance is followed by a hands-on workshop around circus science experiments. Children over the age of five must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential and the cost, just £10. The show was developed with the support of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Chemistry.
We also welcome Gossamer Thread Circus on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 August. Expect performances by aerialist and hula-hooper Daisy Black, and contortionist and anatomical wonder Bendini, who recently appeared in Disney's Dumbo film. The show is free but booking is essential.
Those familiar with the nationally recognised Arts Awards can pick up a Discover Arts Award Challenge worksheet (free), and hunt around the Museum to gather facts and inspiration. Hand in your completed work to achieve the Discover Arts Award and receive a certificate from Trinity College, Cambridge.
Don’t miss the exhibitions!
Our latest major show features the Beggarstaff brothers. William Nicholson and James Pryde were not blood brothers, but brothers-in-law. Their artistic partnership in the 1890s, under the pseudonym J & W Beggarstaff, created some of Britain’s earliest and most spectacular posters and graphic art. The exhibition shows how two young artists broke the rules to produce innovative works of art. On until Sunday 4 August.
Our 2019 focus on James McNeill Whistler continues with Palaces in the Night, the Fitzwilliam’s collection of Whistler’s etchings, drypoints and lithographs of urban landscapes. 4 June – 8 September.
Fine art lovers should head to gallery 10 for a view of ‘The Great Belzoni’. This posthumous portrait by Jan Adam Kruseman was gifted to the Museum in 2018 through the Arts Council’s Cultural Gifts Scheme, in honour of our former Director Tim Knox. On display until the autumn. 23 July – 10 November 2019.
People who’d like to stick to the theatrical theme should take a look at Fans Unfolded, a showcase of rare, exquisite and recently restored fans from the collection of the Hon. Christopher Lennox-Boyd. A film of the Fans Unfolded exhibition is available to view in Gallery 33. Fragile but extraordinary objects. Until 12 January 2020.
Also on show are recent acquisitions of prints and drawings 2009 – 2019, on paper, which celebrate the outstanding generosity of benefactors and donors who have helped to enrich the Fitzwilliam’s collections. Enriching Collections, 21 May – 1 September 2019.
Throughout the holidays visiting families can borrow, from our reception desks, the regular drawing materials to sketch in the galleries, plus Baby Play Mats for ages 0-2, Story Starters for ages 2-6 and Fitz Kits for ages 5-15.
This summer we are introducing a new Fitz Explorer activity pack for 4 – 7 year olds; The Great Belzoni is one of the explorers featured in the new kit. So, make your way to Fitz this summer for a magical selection of attractions.
Family Art Week: Tuesday 30 July – Friday 2 August
Time: 11.00 – 15.00, FREE – Drop-in sessions for all ages, including:
•StrongWomen in Science: Tuesday 30 & Wednesday 31 July Time: 11.00 – 12.00 & 14.00 – 15.00 Cost: £10 per child (age 5+) & adult.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Visit www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk / Tel: 01223 357851
•Gossamer Thread Circus, mini cabaret: Thursday 1 & Friday 2 Time: 11.00 – 12.00 & 14.00 – 15.00 Cost: FREE
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Visit www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk / Tel: 01223 357851
•Discover in a day: Friday 2 August, 11.00 – 15.00. FREE Drop-in sessions, age 5+
•Story Time 11.00 and 14.00 – children under 5 yrs
•Family Tours 11.30 and 13.00 – children over 5yrs
Image: StrongWomen in Science, Aoife Raleigh and Maria Corcoran © Deas Achill