BAROQUE masterpieces will be re-displayed in Birmingham as part of a project to inspire new generations of art lovers later this month.
Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) holds one of the finest collections of 17th century European painting in the UK, containing many works of international significance.
From June 18 the works will be re-displayed at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) following a two-year research project into the collection, which will make the artworks more accessible to the public.
The project has been made possible thanks to a National Gallery Curatorial Traineeship supported by the Art Fund with the assistance of the Vivmar Foundation, in partnership with BMT.
Curatorial trainee Helen Hillyard is behind the research project to transform the visitor experience of the two galleries of 17th century European art at BMAG, including the re-display of important works, the creation of family trails and the introduction of interactive features to engage audiences of all ages.
It will be the first time French paintings have been displayed as a group within the gallery and will illustrate the ‘baroque’ style across diverse art forms, displaying sculptural works next to the paintings as part of a display supported by the Henry Moore Foundation.
Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, said: “We launched this scheme with the National Gallery to address the need to develop curatorial skills in UK museums and galleries.
“Helen’s wonderful research project into 17th century European art, that has led to this exhibition, will have immediate and significant impact on the visiting public.
“We must all continue to support and invest in our museums, their collections and their staff.”
