5/3/2009 - Cumbrian libraries canvas opinions on original art works : Cumbria County Council

People in the county are being encouraged to go and see original paintings and reflect on their meaning as part of an arts participation drive spearheaded by Cumbria's libraries, galleries and museums.

The Every Picture Tells a Story project is running in local libraries from March until May this year. It is encouraging people to reflect on the power of images to convey messages and is using posters featuring an image by the creator of the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper album cover, Sir Peter Blake. His painting 'Children Reading Comics' forms part of the permanent collection at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle.

The poster includes a list of discussion ideas to encourage families and friends, adults and children to talk together and consider how and why Sir Peter created the painting. Library visitors will be encouraged to display their comments about the picture for others to see and explore a selection of related books.

Resource boxes based on the painting will be produced as part of the campaign. These can be borrowed from selected libraries to support reminiscence groups, reading groups and other activities. Each box will contain a copy of the poster and a selection of objects, comics and books to inspire conversation about childhood and the picture itself.

Cherrie Trelogan, Cumbria County Council's arts participation officer, said:

"We want to encourage people to find out more about some of the fascinating pictures in Cumbria’s museums and galleries. We hope that anyone seeing the poster in the county’s libraries will want to experience the true scale, colour and texture of the real painting by seeing it first hand in the gallery. Looking at pictures exercises our grey cells and gives us a chance to slow down, look more deeply and take time to reflect on what we see and what we feel. Pictures are also a great way of helping children to learn and make mental connections."

Cllr Barbara Cannon, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for adults and culture, said:

"This is a great arts engagement project and we want as many people as possible to try something different and go and see some original artworks for themselves. People will be surprised how much the man behind Sergeant Pepper can spice up their lives."