Events for all ages as Wisbech Museum re-opens in Half Term Week

Wisbech Museum re-opens from its annual winter closure for vital cleaning and conservation on Wednesday with great offerings for all ages in a busy half-term week.

From Wednesday until March 23, visitors can enjoy Prints, Paint and Pencil, an exhibition of prints, drawings and paintings which record the changing face of Wisbech from the 18th century through to the 20th.

Exhibition curator Sarah Cousins said: “I’ve really enjoyed searching the museum’s collections for images of the historic townscape, which has changed significantly over the years.

“One of my favourite pictures is Algernon Peckover’s watercolour of Thurloe’s Mansion after an original sketch taken by Elizabeth Peckover a little before it was pulled down in 1816. It is a delicately painted skilful record of one of the town’s lost architectural treasures.”

On Thursday there is a one-off treat for families with children - a half-term printmaking day from 10am to 2pm – no need to book, just drop in to learn about print techniques and make your own.

It could be messy so you’re advised to wear old clothes or bring an apron. Normal admission charges apply so it’s free for children and students and accompanying adults will need a £5 annual pass.

Next Saturday, February 24, is the first of a series of Saturday drop-in opportunities for young artists aged four to 24 who want to enter the expanded Young Arts Exhibition at the museum but need access to the working space and materials to produce their best work.

The sessions, from 1pm to 3.30pm every Saturday until March 16 when submissions for the competition close, offer good quality paper, canvases and everything young artists could need along with tips from creative professionals.

Sponsored by Wisbech Rotary, these are not taught workshops and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Got a leisure story? Email sarah.cliss@iliffepublishing.co.uk

*The Museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.