Search

Beautiful cards, prints and other items inspired
by our exhibitions and the collection.

Text Size: A A A

Education

Plan Your Visit

Early Years

Primary KS1

Primary KS2

Workshops

Journaling Nature

Discovering Sculpture

Urban Prints

Portraits

Greek Art & Architecture

Greek Myths & Morals

Tudors

Moving to Victorian Manchester

Incredible Characters, Inventive Endings

Iron Man

Artists in Schools

Self Guided Resources

Secondary

Post 16 & HE/FE

Teachers Events

Thinking Teachers - Professional Development

Pre-Raphaelite Experiment

Based on stories from people who lived in Manchester through the 40s and 50s, this workshop explores life, work and entertainment through drama, dance and song.

Aims (Skills, Knowledge, Activity, Result)

• To introduce pupils to the Art Gallery and make it an enjoyable and memorable experience.
• To explore the Gallery’s collections related to the theme of Manchester in the 1940s and 1950s and address how life has changed from then to now. 
• To learn about the period by exploring imagery associated with the period and listening to true stories that bring the characters and objects to life.

What happens in a workshop

We begin our tour with a talk and interactive exploration around the Gallery, looking a selection of art works and listening to real peoples’ stories from that time. Pupils participate through discussion, role-play, thought tracking, song, storytelling and association. The war and its after-effects are explored by considering the changing role of women, changes in the centre of Manchester, increase in employment and the introduction of youth culture.

Prepare for your visit

• Prior to the visit discuss the value of directly experiencing 'real' objects through a gallery visit, rather than reproductions. 
• In the classroom, introduce the theme and discuss what the pupils already know and how they can research the time period further. 
• Mention and explore key words such as reminiscence, memories, war, bombing, raids, Anderson shelter and industry. 
• Explain the reasons for no touching or eating in the galleries, i.e. for the protection and conservation of artworks. 
• Bring a minimum of 1 adult to 10 pupils and ensure that adults are briefed to be aware of their supervisory role and responsibilities for engaging the children. 
• Bring a camera and record the visit. The photographs can be used to inform work back at school. 
• Find out how to plan your visit, including booking information, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment.

What people are saying about the workshop

"What a fun way to really get to grips with Manchester at this time. The pupils were totally immersed.I never thought I would see my children jiving"

Teacher