“Lunar Lullabies”, an exhibition offering “A Galactic Journey Through 200 Years of Space Exploration” is currently running at Colchester’s Firstsite gallery. It features art by a huge number of creators, such as the acclaimed SF artist Peter Elson.
Join Colchester’s own Jane Taylor on a celestial adventure, inspired by her timeless poem, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
Embark on a cosmic odyssey as Firstsite commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Essex writer’s passing and trace the fascinating legacy of the beloved nursery rhyme and its influence on modern-day comics and video games.
Discover how science, art and imagination have intertwined over the centuries to shape our culture and fuel our dreams of distant galaxies.
“Lunar Lullabies” showcases stunning artworks which explore space and science, alongside historical artefacts and contemporary pop culture nods. Explore objects ranging from meteorites and asteroid rocks to Lego Star Wars sets up close, discover all about humanity’s ‘giant leap’ to the moon and get lost in Peter Elson’s fantastical visions of space.
Peter Elson (13th January 1947 – March 1998) was an English science fiction illustrator whose work appeared on the covers of numerous science fiction paperback novels, as well as in the Terran Trade Authority series of illustrated books. Some downthetubes readers will know him for his Doctor Who Virgin New Adventures covers in the 1990s, some viewable on his official website, along with hundreds of other artworks.
Families will have the opportunities to bring their own cosmic creations to life, transforming the gallery into an immersive playscape of imagination and discovery.
From interactive space objects, and immersive extraterrestrial landscapes to sculptures of robots and rockets, there’s something for every space enthusiast, young and old.
Join this stellar voyage, where art, science, and dreams collide. Your journey to the stars awaits!
With loans from Chelmsford City Museum, Colchester Museums and Southend Museums, the exhibition features art by Larry Achiampong, Nicola Burrell, Jackie Burns, Simon Cattlin, Jacqueline Davies, Anne Dexter, Peter Elson, Mark Garlick, Iris Gunnarsdotti, Henry Linstead, Mary Pawsey, Grayson Perry, Robin Pinnock, Ronan Porter, Leslie Thompson, Suzanne Triester, Matthew Turner, Clifton Wright, ‘S’ from Holiday Fun, and contributions from Holiday Fun families, YAK, and Young Carer’s Group.
Firstsite is the East of England’s contemporary visual arts organisation where you can experience the most exciting developments in contemporary art, and explore the rich artistic legacy cultivated by the East of England’s unique landscape and character.
Open all year – with free admission and a vibrant programme of exhibitions, films, workshops and events to spark your imagination, alongside a café and shop, Firstsite is for everyone.
• Lunar Lullabies runs until 6th October 2024 at Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH | Free | Web: firstsite.uk
With thanks to David Clayton
- About the Author
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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