Drawn Together at the Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is home to an extraordinary array of art - from 18th-century French masterpieces to Renaissance treasures - all housed within the historic Hertford House. We're delighted to have the Wallace Collection join The Big Draw Festival for our 25th anniversary, as they invite visitors of all ages to explore, create, and connect through drawing. We spoke with Amy Chang, John Lyons Charity SEND Producer, and Alys Knickle, Formal Learning Producer, about their approach to engaging audiences, the importance of accessibility in the arts, and what’s in store for their Big Draw celebrations this October.

Could you tell us a little about the Wallace Collection and your roles within the museum?

"The Wallace Collection is a national museum housing masterpieces of painting, sculpture, furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain. We are the Digital and Audiences team, and it is our job to enable people of all ages to develop a greater understanding and enjoyment of art through creative and inclusive programming."

The Wallace Collection is home to some extraordinary artworks - how do you approach inspiring visitors of all ages to engage creatively with such a rich and historic collection?

"You do not have to know all about Rococo and Renaissance to enjoy the Wallace Collection. We often explore stories, colours, and textures, and encourage creative responses using inclusive language and accessible materials."

The Wallace Collection has a fascinating history - does this shape the work you do today?

"We encourage visitors to understand that Hertford House was originally a home. This might be through explaining the family history to adult groups or exploring the idea of collecting and home and what that means to children. The history of Lady Wallace’s bequest means the Wallace Collection belongs to everyone, and we want to share this."

We’re delighted to have you on board The Big Draw Festival for our 25th anniversary! What inspired you to get involved, and how does The Big Draw align with your mission of inspiring people to enjoy and connect with art?

"We want as many people to enjoy our collection as possible. Drawing is a fantastic way of looking and experiencing art and is a key part of our workshops for all audiences. The Big Draw is a great way to reach new audiences and connect through drawing."

We’d love to hear about your Big Draw line-up. Could you tell us a bit about what’s in store and what visitors can expect?

"In the morning, enjoy a SEND-inclusive relaxed family opening with exclusive access to our current exhibition Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur. Take inspiration from Grayson Perry and create characters and objects through drawing and collage.  

"In the afternoon, get creative with our free Look and Draw and Tour and Draw sessions. Use freehand drawing to help you look more closely at art or use the museum's iPads to make digital drawings. Enjoy a journey through our collection exploring a selection of artworks and experiment with short drawing prompts. Throughout the day, participants will be encouraged to add their drawings to a large collaborative artwork in their spectacular Great Gallery."

Accessibility and inclusion are central to your programmes. Why is this work important to the Wallace Collection?

"The Wallace Collection is a national museum and belongs to all of us, so it is a core part of our mission to break down barriers to access so everyone can enjoy the collection."

Collaboration and creativity are at the heart of this year’s Big Draw Festival theme, ‘Drawn Together’. How does this theme resonate with the Wallace Collection and the way you connect audiences to the collection?

"All our creative workshops and events are collaborative in some way; whilst we facilitate workshops, we constantly learn new approaches and ideas from visitors. On Saturday 25 October, we have a range of events open to all, drawing together SEND families, children and adults, and any visitors who come to the museum that day."

Looking ahead, are there any upcoming exhibitions, events, or projects at the Wallace Collection that you’re especially excited about sharing with your audiences?

"After Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur, we have a range of displays and exhibitions coming up, including Swords of Lucknow, highlighting richly decorated Indian swords, and Caravaggio’s Cupid, on public display in the UK for the first time. Both displays are free to visitors."

Thank you, Amy and Alys!

To find out more about The Big Draw Festival and how you can get involved, click here.