Two talks to accompany 'Reflections of Japan in East Yorkshire' at Beverley Art Gallery

To accompany the new exhibition at Beverley Art Gallery, ‘Reflections of Japan in East Yorkshire’, there will be two talks in November.

One of the main contributors to the exhibition, Jane Irisa, will be giving a free talk about traditional Japanese Toys on Saturday, 13 November from 1.30pm-2.30pm in the Education Room in The Treasure House in Champney Road in Beverley. This will be a great opportunity to hear about this unique and substantial collection - over and above what's on display in the exhibition. The toys are charming objects with many layers of interpretation, and Jane has specialist knowledge about their meaning, who they are intended for, and when and how they are used within Japanese culture. This talk will be an exciting way to find out more about this fascinating nation. Booking in advance is advised. Visit www.eastridingmuseums.co.uk/whats-on for full details, and to book online. For those unable to book online, email your phone number to LAMA.admin@eastriding.gov.uk to be called back. Limited tickets available at the Treasure House, first floor Museums Reception in the Red Gallery for those who are not online. Tickets are also available on the day, pending the availability of space.

Laura Boswell, whose works are on show and on sale in the exhibition, will give an online talk and demonstration on Japanese Woodblock Print Making on Thursday, 18 November from 7pm-9pm on Zoom. Laura is a very successful and popular printmaker, an expert in Japanese woodblock printing. This event will be a chance to see her in her studio, demonstrating the fascinating and beautiful technique of woodblock printing. Laura is also very knowledgeable about its history and its place in the context of Japanese art and culture. The talk will beautifully enhance visitors’ enjoyment of the ‘Reflections of Japan’ exhibition. Book online at www.eastridingmuseums.co.uk/whats-on

‘Reflections of Japan in East Yorkshire’ is a unique exhibition bringing together a selection of items from private collections across East Yorkshire and artwork by Laura Boswell. It is one of the official events of the ‘Japan-UK Season of Culture’.

The core of the exhibition is Jane Irisa’s stunning collection of traditional Japanese toys, which she collected from all over Japan during her many journeys there. Jane previously worked in the Oriental and Japanese sections of the British Library, and therefore her collection is brilliantly documented and well researched.

The exhibition also includes a selection of items and stories from private collections, including rare items from the Imperial Court, calligraphy, and decorative items, as well as artwork inspired by Japanese culture and a stunning collection of Japanese vintage kimonos.

To celebrate the mutual influence between Japan and Great Britain, the Gallery is delighted to present a selection of works by the renowned printmaker, Laura Boswell. Laura is showing examples of her work capturing the stunning Yorkshire and wider British landscapes in the traditional Japanese medium of coloured woodblock prints. Laura’s long-standing passion for Japan saw her undertake numerous study trips to Japan to emulate the technique. The result is a true meeting of the two cultures, presenting British landscapes with distinctly Japanese optics and aesthetic sensitivity. This is Laura’s first major public exhibition.

The exhibition shows a series of video presentations made by Japanese exchange students from Ochanomizu University (Japan) and Hull University, presenting the stories behind traditional Japanese toys and customs. 

The exhibition will run until early 2022. Entry is free and there is no need to book in advance.

For full details of Beverley Art Gallery (opening hours, location, and facilities), visit: www.eastridingmuseums.co.uk

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