Date: Saturday 12th October, drop-in 10.30-3.30, storytelling trails at 11.30 and 1.30
Price: Included with Quince and Apple weekend entry
Drop-in creative workshop: 10.30 - 3.30pm, Discovery Space
Storytelling trail: 11.30am & 1.30pm, meet in the atrium
Join artists from Blue Room at Norton Priory in their ‘indoor orchard’. Explore handmade artworks, see a nature inspired animation and listen to an atmospheric soundscape of birdsong. You can get creative and have a go at making your own paper and yarn apple sculpture.
You might spot a snoozing fellow in the indoor orchard, that’s the Green Man who is having a slumber in between leading quests out to the Walled Garden to find the hidden apple artworks. Can you spot them all and find out which are the true heritage apples? Which have been swapped by the Orchard Fairy for magical varieties dreamt up by Blue Room artists?
Created with support from Halton Borough Council for Halton 50.
Children must be supervised at all times.
We encourage parents and guardians to join in.
Suitable for ages 4+
This activity is included with general admission. Please note that the trail is outdoors and suitable footwear and clothing should be worn.
The Walled Garden is a 5-10 min walk from the Museum and will involve moving across uneven ground.
Under the Apple Tree is a project exploring nature, sculpture and storytelling. With support from the Henry Moore Foundation it was first developed by artist Alfred Beesley, in collaboration with fellow artists and facilitators from Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project with learning disabled and neurodivergent adults.
In Spring 2023, the Beesley spent time exploring the historic orchard at Norton Priory making sketches, taking photographs and capturing the texture of tree bark. He developed a collection of sculptures inspired by the life cycle of apple trees and developed a technique for creating apple sculptures using paper and yarn. While working in the studio, Beesley would often describe how he would like audiences to interact with his art, sharing magical scenarios that recall fairytales and folklore. The Blue Room team saw a perfect opportunity to share his work as part of the Bluecoat’s popular programme of creative activities for children and families. In Spring 2024, the project was shared at a special creative workshop with immersive storytelling.
