Housed in the historic Pump Rooms spa baths building, built in 1814, visiting the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum is a truly immersive experience. Visitors can dive deep into local history and a wonderful art collection, as well as a program of special exhibitions and events.
But for the curators and conservators, these watery metaphors have a challenging other meaning. This is our second attempt at recording this podcast. The first was postponed due to a major leak in the roof, necessitating emergency relocation of exhibits and major repairs. In the past, the threat of inundation has come not from above, but rather from the Leam River, a tributary of the Avon, running alongside. But as collections and engagement manager Chloe Johnson explains, this is all part of the unique character of the place. As we move around the different rooms, some converted from swimming pools, others from Victorian Turkish Baths, we can hear the transitions in mood - it's just a shame you can't feel the differences too, in the air, the light, the textures. The exhibits make the most of these details and contrasts.
The podcast was recorded the day before the official opening of the brilliant new exhibition A Different View: Women Artists at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, curated by Kellie Sabin. Chloe gave us a personal tour, in which we learned about the ideas behind the selection of works and their arrangement.
Watch this video with Kellie introducing the exhibition.
Before recording the podcast, we had lunch in the excellent cafe, and a quick visit to the Library.
Leamington can be reached by train, with the station just a few minutes from the Pump Rooms. Parking is plentiful. Look out for the spaces along Jephson Gardens (the ones further away from the Pump Rooms, past the side entrance to the gardens, are free). Combine a visit with a walk in the beautiful gardens and a wander around the town.
