Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery had the honour of being the first stop on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration to showcase the Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. Kids in Museums volunteer, Mar Dixon went to explore the Old Master with the help of curator, Martin Clayton…
Walking into the room you’re immediately aware you’re in the presence of greatness. Each of the ten drawings reflects on da Vinci’s genius.
One particular drawing, Sprigs of Oak and Dyer’s Greenweed was probably the most effective to me personally. I walked by it and wondered why it made it to the exhibition. It was ‘just’ a leaf. But the more I looked, the more it became one of my favourites. Why? Partially from the label, which alluded to the accuracy of the drawing that really wasn’t required but is what separated da Vinci from other artists. When I looked again with this knowledge, I started to not only see the detail, but feel the drawing.
I spoke to talk to Martin Clayton, Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings in the Royal Library, Windsor Castle, who selected the drawings. Martin explained that it was limited to Ten drawings as they felt they could display da Vinci’s diverse topics, while also telling his story. I thanked Martin for the descriptions provided, as there was enough information to make everyone happy, from the novice to the expert. Martin said this exhibition wants to show the works for everyone.
The work put in to ensure everyone from every background feels welcome at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and this exhibition is evident. Admission is free, and the exhibition is placed near the kid friendly exhibitions.
Of Leonardo, perhaps more than of any other artist, it can truthfully be said that ‘all human life is there’, and even in this small selection of his drawings we can see the infinite variety of his brilliance.
Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci is on at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery until 25 March 2012.
