Since a tiny sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus rex – small enough to sit in the eye of a needle – went on display in Wollaton Hall, from the sculptural artist Dr. Willard Wigan MBE, alongside the first real full sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton shown in England for more than 100 years, the Nottingham City Museums team have been working hard in collaboration with partners to bring a brand new exhibition to Wollaton Hall to inspire visitors big and small. The Tyrannosaurus rex is exclusive to Wollaton Hall and this sculpture was made to keep Titus company in a small way!
Launching this spring, a new Willard Wigan exhibition ‘Miniature Masterpieces’ featuring twenty sculptures, including four new sculptures as part of his ‘Disappearing World’ collection will be on display as part of a free exhibition in Wollaton Hall. This will be showcased alongside Wollaton Hall’s World of Wonder Transformation – and will display sculptured pieces in the eye of a needle, never before seen on display. All in dedication to a world where nothing does exist, small things can become everything.
‘Disappearing World’ focuses on biodiversity in danger and the national initiative launches alongside a new natural history gallery at the Hall which highlights the need to study taxidermy to support global conservation. Miniature Masterpieces featuring ‘Disappearing World’ and the new gallery ‘The Taxidermists’ Tale’ as part of Wollaton Hall’s gallery transformation programme have been grant funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
This exhibition will be free to visitors, as part of the standard free entry to the Hall’s Natural History Galleries, so that it is accessible to all. It will be available April – October 2023, with no pre-booking necessary. Parking charges apply. Plan your visit: www.wollatonhall.org.uk/visit