Family workshopsat Jerwood Gallery

Entitled Inselaffe, the exhibition (on until 16 October) is a series of tough, but humorous, sculptures and paintings that forge motifs and emblems relating to notions of Britishness.

It fuses militaria and joke shop knick-knacks into collaged portraits of historical figures; from Nelson to Margaret Thatcher, Napoleon to Tony Blair.

The resulting exhibition is unapologetic and powerful, political yet ambiguous, reflecting Harvey’s concerns with subjects such as national identity and masculinity.

A Series of workshops get underway on Friday September 2 with a children’s townscape tapestry worksop running from 12.30-4.30pm

Join artist Emily Hedley for a junk modelling extravaganza, celebrating the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and the Inselaffe exhibition, and transform the studio walls into a 3D installation of Hastings town.

The workshop is suitable for 4-11 yr olds and costs £1.50 per child.

On Saturday september 3 Sarah Ciacci leads a workshop entitled Interpreting Marcus Harvey from 2-4pm.

Marcus Harvey’s work undoubtedly provokes a response, being rich in political, social and artistic references. Sarah will help to unpick some of these references, beginning with a short talk introducing the artist and examining some of the themes found in his work before moving into the galleries to analyse the pieces in more depth.

You will have time to explore the exhibition on your own or in small groups and to gather your thoughts before coming back together to discuss selected works in more detail. This workshop is suitable for over 16s and costs £4 per person.

Marcus Harvey was born in Leeds in 1963 and currently lives and works in London. He makes highly worked figurative paintings and sculptures, seeking out imagery that is emblematic of a brutish, but proud, Britishness. Often his imagery is problematic or controversial.

Gallery director Liz Gilmore said: “The exhibition combines some monumental new works alongside key historical pieces, showing Harvey’s significant contribution to British art.”

For details of all the workshops visit www.jerwoodgallery.org.

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