Visual Story: Handpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to Today
This handy guide outlines what to expect when visiting the exhibition Handpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to Today, particularly focussing on physical accessibility and different sensory elements in the exhibition.
General Access information for Galleries
- Seating is available in all the exhibition spaces. There are also lightweight portable seats available that you’re welcome to carry around.
- Sensory Backpacks are available at the Reception Desk. Please ask a member of staff if you would like one.
- There are ear defenders available and hearing loops fitted at the welcome desk. Please ask a member of staff.
- Most artworks in the galleries are visible at wheelchair level. Unfortunately, some of the artworks displayed on the staircase may not be fully visible to wheelchair users. More works are also displayed inside the lift.
- Large print guides are available in both the galleries and the Research Space on the first floor.
- A lot of content from the exhibition is available on our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects. The digital guide is available on tablets provided in the galleries and personal mobile phones through the Bloomberg Connects app or by scanning the QR codes in the galleries.
- There are quiet spaces in the Reflect & Respond Space on the second floor (mostly quiet), and outdoors in St Peter’s churchyard and the Kettle’s Yard garden. Please note, St Peter’s churchyard and the Kettle’s Yard garden are not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Accessible & gender-neutral toilets are available on the ground and first floors. Baby changing facilities are available in the larger toilets on both floors.
- General access information about Kettle’s Yard can also be found in this British Sign Language film.
- We have Visitor Assistants in the galleries who will be happy to provide assistance or answer any questions you may have.
Welcome Area
- Once you’ve entered the Kettle’s Yard building through the automatic glass doors, the exhibition is to your left. The two galleries can be accessed by steps or ramp. There is a handrail for both of these.
- Once you have come down the steps/ramp, there is text in dark green colour on an off-white wall to your right that introduces the exhibition.
- There is also a short film introduction to the exhibition, which plays on a loop and is 1 minute 57 seconds long. The film has subtitles, and the sound comes through the speaker at a low volume.
- There is no seating near the TV screen but you are welcome to borrow one of the portable stools.
Room 1
- The exhibition begins in the room straight ahead as you come down the steps/ramp on the ground floor. The room has step free access.
- There are historical flower paintings from the 20th century hung on white or green walls.
- The lighting is very dim in this room due to the light-sensitive nature of the artworks.
- There are barriers by some of the artworks on display. The barriers are approximately 30 cm high with grey stands and white ropes. The colour contrast is low. Please be careful to avoid tripping and ask a member of staff for assistance if needed.
- There is a display case to your right as you enter the gallery featuring two artworks. The contents of the display case are visible at wheelchair level. Please use the large print guide available in the room if needed.
- There are cushioned seats with armrests available in the room.
Room 2
- The exhibition continues in the room on your left as you come down the steps/ramp on the ground floor. The room has step free access.
- There are flower paintings made from 1975 onwards, hung on white or green walls.
- The lighting is dim in some sections of the room due to the light-sensitive nature of the artworks.
- There are barriers by most of the artworks on display. The barriers are approximately 30 cm high with grey stands and white ropes. The colour contrast is low. Please be careful to avoid tripping. It may be difficult for wheelchair users to turn, especially during busy times. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.
- There is a display case to your left as you enter the gallery containing an artist’s sketchbook. The contents of the display case are visible at wheelchair level. Please use the large print guide available in the room if needed.
- There is a cushioned bench with armrests available in the room.
Staircase
- As you come out of Room 2, on the wall to your left is a green-coloured strip where flower paintings created by Kettle’s Yard’s community partners are on display.
- The display continues as you go up the staircase to the first floor. Unfortunately, some of these artworks are not fully visible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
- There is also a collage of paintings created by Kettle’s Yard’s community partners on display in the lift. This has been created by artist Amy Wormald.
Photo: Jo Underhill
First Floor Landing
Photo: Jo Underhill
- This area is located on the first floor and is accessible via stairs and lift.
- On your left is a display case with photographs of some of the Handpicked exhibition artists. The photographs are visible from wheelchair level.
- More artworks by community partners are displayed on the opposite green wall. There is no seating available on this landing.
Research Space
- This room on your right side has low lighting to protect the light-sensitive artworks.
- The room has two elements – first, on the left, is a film about the Handpicked exhibition.The film is subtitled and the sound comes through the headphones. It is 9 minutes 46 seconds long.
- Second, on the right, is a display of drawings and sculptures by the artist Kenji Umeda from the Kettle’s Yard collection, along with some of his letters and personal belongings. The works in display cases are mostly visible from wheelchair level. Please use the large print guides for the text on the labels if needed.
- There is a film about Kenji Umeda, which is 4 minutes 22 seconds long. The film is subtitled and the sound comes through the headphones.
- You are welcome to sit, relax and read the books on the table.
Reflect & Respond Space
- This area is located on the second floor and is accessible via stairs and lift.
- The space has lots of natural light and seating with cushions.
- This is a mostly quiet space where you are welcome to sit, relax, reflect, draw or eat packed lunches.
- Coloured papers and pens are provided for drawing, along with flower-themed colouring sheets.
Handpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to Today
Plan Your Visit
