Nature notebook challenge takes inspiration from Wilson
» ALMOST 150 years ago on July 23, 1872, the Antarctic explorer Edward Adrian Wilson was born in Cheltenham.
From an early age, he was a prolific drawer who grew up to be a talented artist in pencil, ink and watercolour, as well as a trained scientist and doctor.
As a youngster, the family’s move to Crippetts Farm in the countryside just outside Cheltenha, will have undoubtedly contributed to his great interest in and love of nature.
The Nature Notebooks are a threevolume scrapbook of Edward’s drawings and paintings, on loan to The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum from the Wilson family.
In the Open Archive, it is possible to view a selection of items from these notebooks which demonstrate his attention to detail and scientific annotation and observation, as well as his unquestionable artistic talent.
In acknowledgment of Edward Wilson’s birthday, we decided to celebrate his achievements with cake in the cafe, a Nature Notebooks talk in the Open Archive; and, family art and nature workshops inspiring entries to our summer-long Nature Notebook Summer Holiday Challenge.
The workshops were a hive of activity and saw families developing new artistic skills and investigating nature together, complete with magnifying glasses.
They also created the beginnings of their own Nature Notebook to take away and add to over the holidays, before returning them to The Wilson to be displayed and entered into our competition at the end of the month.
The Nature Notebook Competition is open to all with categories for a variety of ages, including families.
Entries are to be returned to The Wilson by Friday, August 23 for shortlisting and entry into the public display from from August 26-September 1 with a public event celebrating the challenge on Thursday, August 29 from 6-7pm.
For more information regarding the competition, visit the What’s On page of cheltenhammuseum.org.uk and download the Nature Notebook Challenge information leaflet.
During the holidays, weekly Wednesday Holiday Craft family workshops continue throughout August, booking for which is recommended.
Also on Tuesdays in August, The Wilson is offering a series of workshops aimed at 12-16 year olds, exploring a variety of themes – creative writing, female mental health and running your own business.
To find out more or to book, visit cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk or call 01242 387488.
For any queries regarding the Nature Notebooks Challenge or any workshops, you can also email learning@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk.