About
These sessions combine a detailed audio description of a Gallery painting, led by Gallery Educators Katy Tarbard and Tilly Scantlebury with a new piece of music, composed and performed by cellist Nina Plapp.
These sessions have been designed for blind and partially sighted visitors, but we welcome everyone to experience paintings on this multi-dimensional level.
Sessions are held seated in front of the painting. Please meet in the advertised room or meet 15 minutes before the start of the talk at the Getty Entrance to be guided to the room. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.
To discuss any additional access requirements, please email: education@nationalgallery.org.uk
March
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Join Educator Tilly Scantlebury and composer Nina Plapp for an audio-described talk and musical performance based on George Bellows's, 'Men of the Docks'.
Through words and music, composed especially for this session, we will explore and bring to life this American painting.
April
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This April, join Gallery Educator Katy Tarbard and composer Nina Plapp for a audio-described talk and performance inspired by Turner's, 'Calais Pier'.
Through words and music, we will explore and bring to life this epic scene portraying stormy waters.
May
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Join Katy Tarbard and Nina Plapp for an audio-described talk and musical performance based on Rembrandt's mesmeric painting, 'Belshazzar's Feast'.
Through words and music, composed especially for this session, we will explore and bring this painting to life.
Dr Tilly Scantlebury
Dr Tilly Scantlebury is an art historian and one of our Gallery Educators at the National Gallery. Since completing their doctorate in 2021, Tilly has been delivering outreach workshops to young people and adults, which aim to widen access to art history.
Alongside public programmes, Tilly also writes and delivers lectures in their research specialism of feminist, queer modern and contemporary art.
Katy Tarbard
Katy Tarbard has over 20 years of teaching and programming experience in gallery education departments, working to connect visitors of all ages with their love of artworks. Her areas of interest include the history of the National Gallery Collection and its methods of display. Her favourite artists include Titian, Turner and Van Gogh.
Nina Plapp
Nina is a composer and cellist from the UK, she studied Cello Performance at Trinity College of Music (LABAN) London. She composes for theatre, dance and mixed media projects and has had her music performed in the USA, China and the UK. She is the winner of the 'journey of a lifetime award' and produced a radio documentary for the BBC charting her musical adventure, exploring the music heritage of gypsy communities from Rajasthan to Romania.
Nina has performed with major international artists including Rox, Angie Brown (Fatboy Slim, Bizzare inc.) Alison David (Red Snapper), supported The Charlatans and The Flaming Lips, and was a regular player for Tam Wing Lun on his stadium tours.
Nina has also performed her music live on Midweek (BBC Radio 4) and composes for her own folk band 'Blue Slipper Music' who can be heard on BBC introducing.
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Audio art: Utterly in the picture
Free, drop-in sessions
Places are available on a first come, first served basis with priority given to blind and partially sighted visitors.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.
Please arrive in good time to access the building and find the advertised room.
Please view our General Admissions page for more information.