 |
| The University of East Anglia |
It was a beautiful afternoon when I arrived in Norwich and my friend met me at the station. The Sainsbury Centre was a short bus ride away from the city, housed on the campus of the University of East Anglia. The buildings are very modern, sort of Brutilist, and the grounds are vast, containing a lake and woods. Artworks are positioned around the grounds, including some by Henry Moore, who featured well here, and as I like his art, I was very pleased.
 |
| Art in the grounds |
After a drink at the small cafe we had a free tour of the permanent exhibition (though like all permanent exhibitions, objects are rotated and exhibits added to over the years).
The collection was donated to the university by Sir Robert and Lady Lisa Sainsbury and forms part of a wide selection of modern and indigenous art. Here you can find masks from Africa and works by Francis Bacon, Picasso and, of course, Henry Moore. The Mother and Child piece by Henry Moore can be actually be touched, and I didn't need to be told twice!
Our guide was informative and enthusiastic. In fact our tour ran over time, but we learned a lot about the Sainsbury's (yes, Robert is the grandson of the founder of Sainsbury's supermarkets), how, after showing no interest in art, like his family, suddenly 'discovered' it, and began buying pieces by up and coming artists and indigenous art. Here is a selection of the photos I took.
 |
| Another Henry Moore - Reclining Figure |
 |
| In the gallery |
 |
| This mask may soon being returned to its own country |
The following morning I had some time to kill until I met my friend again, so I walked along by the River Wensum before arriving at the Museum of Norwich.
 |
| Bridge over the River Wensum |
 |
| Pulls Ferry |
 |
| Norwich Cathedral |
Housed in the former Bridewell Prison, the museum charts the history of Norwich, highlighting the trades that could be found there back in the day. There are mock shops and displays. The prison chapel is now the old pharmacy with its bottles and remedies for every ailment. The museum is very child-friendly with dressing up areas and other activities. I had an enjoyable morning realising once more that my life is now in a museum as I recognised things from my childhood!
 |
| Hat/head measurer |
 |
| Old prison door |
 |
| Norwich's history |
 |
| Traffic Light sequencer! |
 |
| The Pharmacy in the former prison chapel |
 |
| Shoe stitcher |
By the time I left the museum it was raining. I grabbed some lunch and then wandered to 'over-the-water' as it's called on the Norwich map. There are a couple of bridges, and I went over Blackfriars. There is a green with a Barbara Hepworth artwork, and some nice old buildings.
 |
| From Blackfriars Bridge |
My friend called and we met up for an afternoon of visiting bookshops! The rain was now a deluge, the roads and pavement running like a river. We eventually ended up in a cafe to dry off, and by the time we left, the rain had stopped and the sun was out. We made a stop at the South Asia Collection Museum and soon it was time for me to leave.
Another good time in Norwich, and thanks to my friend for showing me around again. I always look forward to visiting Norwich as it has so much to offer.
 |
| Shopping Arcade, Norwich |
Comments
Post a Comment