The University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery and Museum (VG&M) will celebrate its first anniversary this week with over 4,000 graduates.
The VG&M which was opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal following an £8.6 million restoration of the iconic redbrick Victoria Building during Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture, has attracted more than 65,000 visitors during its first year.
The building, which houses art and heritage collections acquired by the University throughout its 105-year history launched a programme of major exhibitions to reflect Liverpool’s culture, history and innovations in industry, science and engineering.
During 2010 there will be major exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy to coincide with Liverpool exhibiting at the World EXPO in Shanghai and a retrospective exhibition of Astrid Kirchherr’s photographs including material relating to The Beatles, in autumn 2010.
Matthew Clough, Director of Art and Heritage collections, said: “It has been a very exciting and busy 12 months and we are delighted to be able to celebrate with the graduates of 2009. We have opened the final exhibition space – the decorative arts gallery – and have also launched an educational outreach programme aimed at schools, adult learners and families across the Liverpool city region. Part of the programme is designed to develop children’s understanding of several areas of the curriculum, such as science, literacy, history and geography by using the museum’s collections.
“We have also welcomed several well-known media personalities to the museum. Scientist and TV presenter Lord Robert Winston viewed the museum’s collection of wax-models, which demonstrate the history of medical teaching at Liverpool. Top Gear presenter James May visited an exhibition of rocket and rotary engines from the University’s engineering department, and survival expert Ray Mears took a particular interest in the University’s display of dinosaur footprints.”
The VG&M is free and open between 10.00am and 5.00pm from Tuesday to Saturday. The Waterhouse Café on the ground floor of the building is now offering a special summer menu of regional and home-cooked food. For more information about the exhibitions and café visit: www.vgm.liverpool.ac.uk