Exciting new exhibition for young children to open at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery on 18 February

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is to be the first venue in England to host “Rhyme Around the World”, as the exciting exhibition aimed at pre-school children kicks off its national tour in Shropshire this month.

Running from Saturday 18 February 2017 until Sunday 7 May 2017, Rhyme Around the World is an exhibition from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle.

Rhyme Around The World explores verse gathered from across the globe and takes a fresh and inclusive look at the most familiar form of children’s literature, nursery rhymes, which makes it perfect for children under five and their families.

A happy grandmother and two young children enjoying the Rhyme Around The World exhibition

The original works will be interpreted for schools and families, with a strong focus on the under 5s, and will be an immersive and exciting environment, with lots of opportunity to play and learn.

Rhyme Around the World will feature artwork by best-loved and best-selling illustrators including Robert Ingpen, Shirley Hughes, Axel Scheffler, Emily Gravett, Mini Grey, Jessica Ahlberg, Polly Dunbar, and many more.

This exhibition is based on two books – the classic “Lavender’s Blue” and the contemporary “Over the Hills and Far Away”, both best sellers.

Thanks to support from The Walker Trust, the learning team at Shropshire Museums will be offering a free literacy programme to nurseries and primary school reception classes across the county.

Participation in the programme will support and enhance a visit to the Rhyme Around the World exhibition at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. Schools and Early Years settings will be invited to join the ‘Rhyme Race’.

All participating pupils will receive an illustrated booklet featuring ten nursery rhymes from the exhibition.

Schools and nurseries will receive a teachers pack featuring lesson plans, topic ideas and extension activities to support cross-curricular nursery rhyme themed activity in class. Children who visit will be given a special sticker for their booklets and will have the opportunity to participate in story and song based workshops in the exhibition space.

Fay Bailey, Activities & Learning Officer for Shropshire Museums, said:

“We are delighted to be first venue in the country to host Rhyme Around the World and are excited to welcome the exhibition.

“We look forward to welcoming families and schools to Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery to explore this exciting exhibition. The Rhyme Around the World exhibition gives us a great opportunity to showcase what a great resource the museum is for young children and educators.”

Contact 01743 258881/258884 for further details and to book, or email museumeducation@shropshire.gov.uk