Art Gallery and Museum encourages children to get creative

Children can enjoy colourful, free summer holiday fun at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum inspired by the genius of best-loved illustrator Nick Sharratt.

Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants concerns the illustrated world of Nick Sharratt, known for books such as Ketchup on your Cornflakes and Shark in the Park, and is open Monday-Saturday (10.30am – 4.30pm) until Saturday 3 September, so families have the whole of the summer to explore it.

How often are children allowed to draw on the walls in an art gallery? A giant wipe-clean drawing wall, wacky 'illustrated' outfits from mermaids to fancy pants and original artwork from Nick's sketchbooks have been a few of the biggest hits of the show so far.

The large selection of Nick Sharratt's books available at the exhibition has also been popular, and there are chances to win signed copies in the activity space.

Art Gallery and Museum Manager Angie Bishop said: "Families have loved this lively, colourful exhibition since it opened, and after attracting hundreds of excited young fans to meet Nick Sharratt on the opening day it's great to see them return again and again to enjoy the many activities."

The vibrant display has been bringing out the creativity in everyone who visits. As well as delighting in their children's excitement at the interactive fun, parents have enjoyed original artwork by Nick Sharratt on display, watching the films about his career, and have been drawing on the walls and light boxes themselves.

In addition to visiting the exhibition for free, families will be able to learn to take part in several special drop-in days, from brushing up their illustrating skills with comic artist Andi Watson on Monday 1 August to using recycled materials to make scrap-tastic pizzas, cakes, jellies and sandwiches inspired by Nick Sharratt's illustrations on Thursday 11 August.

Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants is free and open Monday-Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm for the whole of the summer holidays (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays) until 3 September. For more information contact the Art Gallery and Museum on 01905 25371, visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk or follow @worcestermuseum on Twitter.