An illustrated talk by Tony McFarlane
Tony is an avid collector and admirer of Ladybird books with a personal collection in excess of2000 copies. This talk on the history and art of Ladybird books will have a particular emphasis on the portrayal and promotion of the natural world in all it’s forms from the 1940’s to 2000. In the past, Nature in Art has shown original artwork from Ladybird books by, for example, Charles Tunnicliffe, so this is great opportunity to spend an absorbing evening applauding the work of the great Ladybird artists and illustrators who contributed to this iconic series, loved by so many.
- Doors open 7pm to view exhibitions
- 7.30pm finger buffet
- 8.10pm talk
To book, click here
An illustrated talk by Richard Box.
Doors open 7pm to view exhibitions. 7.30pm finger buffet, followed by talk.
Richard is a regular artist in residence and tutor at Nature in Art. A former Head of Art in college education, he has written seven books and is a regular speaker for The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS). Tonight he’ll be casting a light on impressionism, which continues to be a very popular style of painting today even though, as a movement it was derided in its time and short lived. Monet in particular is an exemplar of this style. However other artists, like Seurat, Cézanne and Van Gogh progressed onwards and other movements developed. This talk will reveal how the movement started and why such developments occurred so speedily including some fascinating comments from art critics at the time. An entertaining evening for all.
Book here
An illustrated talk by Kim Hardie to coincide with our Goldwork exhibition
Doors open 7pm to view exhibitions (including Goldwork). Finger buffet at 7.30pm followed by talk.
Kim Hardie studied fine art embroidery techniques at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) based at Hampton Court Palace where she completed both her Certificate and Diploma. She is currently the chair of the Gloucestershire Goldwork Guild. The history of Goldwork goes back to ancient civilisations and is mentioned in the Bible. The talk will cover the history of Goldwork, where it is made, the last places in the UK teaching the technique and examples of where it is used in the military for regimental regalia, royal events such as the State Opening of Parliament and coronations together with Haute Couture that graces ‘red carpet’ events around the world. A fascinating insight into a historic craft. An evening for all!
Book here
Special MONDAY opening on 19th May
Come and see Nature in Art’s garden as part of the National Open Garden Scheme which raises millions of pounds each year for charity.
The whole museum will be open too, plus you’ll be able to
- meet experts from Master Composters
- meet Nature in Art’s beekeeper, Brian, who will show you their new observation hive (see what’s going on in the inside!) ,
- browse our plant and garden book stalls (in aid of Nature in Art)
- see special exhibitions by Rosalind Wise , the Royal Miniature Society and Stefania Distanti
£6.50 entry (all proceeds to NGS)
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Coffee shop open for drinks and light snacks.
A Dream Come True
An illustrated talk by Braddon Johnson and Shona Thornhill
A dream of independent travel to wide open spaces with no discernible timeline is where it all began. As time passed options were refined, and soon enough Shona and Braddan were ready to roll. Literally. Riding two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles they travelled overland from Tuktoyaktuk where Canada meets the Arctic Ocean, through the USA, Mexico, Central America and finally to Ushuaia – the most southern point of South America. Join us as they share their journey – the places, people, technicalities, fun and challenges of life on the road. An inspiring evening for all!
Royal Miniaturist Open Evening
This is a great opportunity to come and meet some of the members of the Royal Miniature Society who created the exhibits in our special Nature in Miniature exhibition and to find out more about the works on display.
Join us anytime between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.
No finger buffet at this event, but drinks available. Please book your ticket here, free to book but we are accepting donations on the night.
Join us on a Saturday morning in June for a free story time in our cosy corner, learning about the environment and how we can help.
Sessions are 10:30 and 11:30, and last 15-20 minutes
14th, 21st and 28th June
Suitable for all children, but aimed at little ones
Free, no need to book
With thanks to The HERDS x Art Fund
People of the Sea: An illustrated talk by Chris Butler-Stroud, CEO of Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Doors open 7pm to view galleries. Finger buffet at 7.30pm followed by talk.
PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE! Thank you.
WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation (formerly WDCS) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins. Chris Butler-Stroud is a dedicated campaigner for whales and dolphins and their right to live protected from human impacts. He has a passion for the marine environment and heads up WDC to defend these remarkable creatures against the many threats they face through campaigns, lobbying, advising governments, conservation projects, field research and rescue. WDC’s vision is a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.
An evening for everyone coinciding with our Whale Song exhibition. Book here
Illustrated talk by Rick Minter
Doors open 7pm to view galleries. Finger buffet at 7.30pm followed by talk.
Big cats author and podcaster Rick Minter will review the evidence supporting people’s ongoing descriptions of pumas, black leopards and lynx in Britain.
The illustrated talk will discuss how people respond to sightings, including with artistic impressions. It will consider how these predators may be adapting to Britain’s landscape as stealthy deer cullers, and explain how evidence is being sought by DNA and by tooth pits in bones of prey, with support from two universities.
Rick will also look at some snippets of footage, and witnesses present will explain their own encounters.
Please note this talk will no longer take place.
Doors open 7pm to view galleries. Finger buffet at 7.30pm followed by talk.
This illustrated talk will explore th
e history of gardens in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, covering various types such as medicinal, culinary, therapeutic, educational, and those created for enjoyment, starting from the earliest recorded mention of gardens.
In partnership with The Green Pledge Project @ The Hub, supported by the Heritage Fund


