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March 2019
Thinking 3D: Leonardo to the present
For centuries, artists and scientists have wrestled with how to convey three-dimensional objects on the page. Using some of the Bodleian Libraries’ finest books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, Thinking 3D tells the story of the development of three-dimensional communication over the last 500 years.
Find out more »July 2019
Talking Maps
Every map tells a story. Talking Maps is a celebration of maps and what they tell us about the places they depict and the people that make and use them. Drawing on the Bodleian's unparalleled collection of more than 1.5 million maps, this exhibition brings together an extraordinary selection of ancient, pre-modern and contemporary maps from a range of cultures and in a variety of formats as well as showcasing fascinating imaginary, fictional and war maps.
Find out more »August 2019
Lester Piggott: Born to Ride Exhibition
Celebrating champion jockey Lester Piggott who was the first baby born in the maternity unit at Wantage Hospital in 1935. Life size bronze statue of Lester Piggott was unveiled by Lester himself on 18th August in the museum garden. Check out the museum Facebook page @valeanddownlandmuseum to see a video from the unveiling. 19th August – 21st December Vale and Downland Museum.
Find out more »September 2019
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, repeating until November 3, 2019
An event every week that begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, repeating until November 3, 2019
An event every week that begins at 2:00 pm on Sunday, repeating until November 3, 2019
Normandy 75: Oxfordshire to the Orne
Exhibition charting the Second World War invasion of Normandy by allied forces. Combining information panels from the National Army Museum with the regimental history and artefacts from SOFO's own archives to give an Oxfordshire perspective on D Day and the events surrounding it. SOFO Museum Open Tuesday - Fridays, 10am to 5pm. Saturdays 11am to 5pm, and Sundays 2pm - 5pm. Last admission at 4.15pm.
Find out more »October 2019
From Istanbul to Oxford: The Origins of Coffee-Drinking in England
The first coffee house in England opened in Oxford in 1651, but the story of coffee began many years earlier in the Ottoman Empire. Discover how coffee made its way to England through an exploration of both Ottoman coffee-related objects and English adaptations, which illustrate the fascinating and complex relationship between the two powers at the time. Gallery 29
Find out more »A Nice Cup of Tea?
Learn about the untold stories and hidden narratives of empire, trade and transatlantic slavery through this contemporary art installation inspired by the Ashmolean’s European Ceramics collection. A cup of tea represents comfort for many of us, but every sip connects us to the legacy of the British Empire, global trade and transatlantic slavery. The fashion for drinking sweetened tea from China inspired the luxury tea sets in the Ashmolean European Ceramics Gallery. Behind this wealth was the brutal exploitation of enslaved…
Find out more »Feed the World: Food and Money in the 20th Century
This display explores the complex relationship between food and money by taking a closer look at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s ‘Food for All’ programme. Discover how monetary and numismatic objects such as coins, banknotes, and tokens related to food in the 20th century, and why this was important. Gallery 7
Find out more »Cai Guo-Qiang: Gunpowder Art
Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang (b. 1957) is best-known for his gunpowder explosion events staged in public spaces worldwide and, in particular, for his firework display for the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This exhibition focuses on the artist’s smaller-scale works, exploring the presence of Chinese culture in his art through the mediums of painting, drawing, and gunpowder on canvas, paper and silk. Learn about the significance behind the materials Cai Guo-Qiang chooses to work with, as…
Find out more »November 2019
‘Oh, What a Lovely War!’ Humour in Times of Conflict
An exhibition that explores the ways in which humour and fun were used to spur on both troops and the people back at home - before, during and after war. Objects, music, posters, art, and testimonials from Oxfordshire people all illustrate how some of those who lived through times of conflict still managed to put a smile on their faces. Museum open Tuesday-Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 11am - 5pm and Sunday 2pm - 5pm. Last admission 4.15pm each day.…
Find out more »Original Works by Jessie Woodward
The Jam Factory present Original Works by Jessie Woodward in our Small & Large Galleries this winter. Exhibition dates: 13th November 2019 - 5th January 2020 Bristol based artist Jessie Woodward is an abstract painter using mixed media to explore the concept of spontaneity in her practice. Bright, fun and experimental, the body of work to be exhibited at The Jam Factory generates visual energetic joy and pleasure through the use of unusual materials and techniques. Lively compositions of fluorescent…
Find out more »Turrill Sculpture Garden Christmas Quarter Selling Exhibition
Seven Oxfordshire women artists in metal, glass and ceramics show enticing offerings for Christmas and beyond from 16 November to 25 April. Julie Grose and Sophie Thompson work in metal, Harriet Coleridge, Sally Dorrity and Laura Laub in ceramic and Anne Arlidge and Judith Berger in glass. Add an outdoor element to your Christmas gift-giving for long-term delight. 16 November - 25 April Through Summertown Library, South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN
Find out more »Alice in the Palace
Experience a Wonderland like no other… Enter the magical world of Alice in Wonderland as part of an enchanting new daytime experience at Blenheim Palace this Christmas (22 November 2019 – 5 January 2020). Step between the pages of a larger-than-life storybook and into your very own festive family adventure as you venture through the looking glass. Wander down the rabbit-hole corridor, through the Hall of Mirrors, along the Hall of Doors and into the Palace’s historic rooms, sometimes grand,…
Find out more »Philip Guston: Locating the Image
Discover the work of internationally acclaimed American artist Philip Guston (1913–80) in the first solo exhibition of his work in Oxford. The exhibition highlights the importance of working on paper for Guston’s artistic practice, and explores the inspiration he drew from historical art and literature. Gallery 8.
Find out more »Beauty and the Beast
Meet Beauty– smart as a whip, bold as brass, with a heart of pure gold. She’s the opposite of the Beast – gruff, rough and in need of a shave. But when Beauty finds herself trapped in a magical castle with the Beast, the two of them have to learn to get along. Will they meet a beastly end? Or have a beautiful ‘happily ever after’? One thing’s for sure, our mismatched pair will need a hand from you to…
Find out more »An event every day that begins at 10:00 am, repeating until December 24, 2019
Christmas Fairytale 2019 at Fairytale Farm
Tickets are now on sale for our Christmas Fairytale event 2019, which runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 30th November to 8th December, then daily from 14th December to Christmas Eve. We always receive fantastic feedback about this event each year, and the 2019 event will be bigger and better than ever, with our amazing new Fairytale Castle now fully complete. Tickets are available online only, and as this event normally sells out we recommend booking well in advance. In this…
Find out more »December 2019
Oxford Christmas Market
With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air - a visit to the Oxford Christmas Market is a truly magical Christmas experience. Come and get into the festive spirit. We are looking forward to welcoming you! Free Entry Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 8pm Sunday - Wednesday 10am - 6:30pm
Find out more »3945 Portraits Exhibition
Glyn Dewis exhibits his photographic portraits of Second World War veterans. Explore his work, find out about their medals, and hear about the veterans' experiences through Glyn's interview recordings. "I started the project in early 2019 and it's wonderful that the project has already received praise from around the world and is proving to be an incredible experience. I'm incredibly pleased with how well the series has taken off, and how images have already been licensed for use by the…
Find out more »Stories With Santa
Santa has heard lots of stories on his travels around the world as he delivers presents to all the good boys and girls every Christmas Eve. And this year, he wants to share them with the lucky children of Oxford. Get yourself comfy in our Piano Bar as Santa settles down to share some festive tales with you, as well as singing some fun Christmas songs. After the storytime, children can take part in a special personal meeting with the…
Find out more »The Jolly Christmas Postman
Join the Jolly Christmas Postman on his final delivery of the year as hevisits well-loved characters such as Miss Riding Hood and Humpty Dumpty and many others, with a gift for all this Christmas time. Story Pocket Theatre brings this timeless Christmas tale and colourful characters to life in a brand new show full of music, puppetry and magical storytelling, adapted from the best-selling book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Find out more »One event on November 9, 2019 at 9:30 am
One event on December 12, 2019 at 9:30 am
Oil Painting Workshops with Elaine Kazimierczuk
Two-day oil painting workshops, working on abstract landscapes. These workshops will provide an opportunity for you to build confidence in your technique, find new ways of interpreting what you see and make bold advances in your practice. You will experiment with new ways of working and develop a fresh approach to your style. You’ll begin to ‘loosen up’ and increase your repertoire of mark-making. You’ll be encouraged to draw on observation and intuition, abandon prejudices, re-think composition and move towards…
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