Since the founding of The Big Draw in 2000, The British Museum has taken part every year in The Big Draw Festival, opening its doors to anyone and everyone wanting to unleash their creative sides. This year, The British Museum’s #TheBigDraw event, taking place on Saturday 27th, takes inspiration from the current exhibition I object: Ian Hislop’s search for dissent and will therefore be drawing on the themes of satire, subversion and of course… Play!
‘I object: Ian Hislop’s search for dissent’ challenges the traditional idea of ‘the winners’ determining what ‘history’ truly is, and investigates the lesser known voices of history – the downtrodden, the forgotten, the protestors – and how they have left their equally significant mark on objects throughout history. Ian Hislop was invited to rummage around the Museum’s existing collection in search of intriguing objects such as coins, medals, archaeology, prints and drawings, hand-picking those which best explore the ideas of dissent, subversion and satire.
Through the various objects exhibited – from graffiti on a Babylonian brick to banknotes with secret images secreted into their design, ‘I object’ demonstrates that people have always challenged and undermined orthodox views in order to enable change. Questioning authority, registering protest and generally objecting are an integral part of what makes us human. Whilst this at first may seem far from The Big Draw’s theme of Play, it is important to remember that a playful approach can be applied to all aspects of life, including in fighting for change. The collection displays this through a wealth of satirical items used to enable subversive behaviour – sometimes deadly serious, but more often humorous and playful.
Drawing is a vital tool for learning, expression, empowerment and invention, all of which are crucial to the stories told throughout the Museum’s collections and to understanding them. This year’s event at The British Museum offers a brilliant opportunity to explore history, satire and subversion through the art of drawing, being creative and having fun. The day, on Sat 27 Oct, will comprise various drawing activities across the Museum’s ground floor galleries and Great Court, free for visitors of all ages to drop in and get involved!
If this has caught your attention, then make not to miss out! Find out more here.
The British Museum is one of our Big Draw Festival 2018 Sponsor Partners.
Interested in visiting a Big Draw Festival event near you this Autumn? Take a look at our Big Draw 2018 events map here, sign up to our localised event alerts here or perhaps you’d like to join our merry band of Big Draw Festival co-creators and organise your very our events?
Visit our Organise an Event page for guidance on getting started.