For further information about any of the events below please click on the link:
https://www.hullmuseums.co.uk/museum-events?page=1&location=Ferens%20Art%20Gallery%20#events
Artist Talk: Ian Hinley
Thursday 8th January 2026
Takes place: 2.00pm – 2:10pm Free, drop-in
Ian is a well-known local artist who recently took part in Absolutely Cultured’s INTER-CHANGE artist development programme. His practice is grounded in rigorous technique and extensive research.
Instagram handle – @ianhindleyart
Inspired by…
Monday 12th January 2026 Free, drop-in
Monday 9th March Free, drop-in
Inspired by… is a series of art workshops led by Squarepeg Arts for Disabled and neurodivergent adults to explore and be inspired by the Ferens collections and exhibitions. Participants can explore their creativity in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Flourish with Ferens:
Art workshop for Neurodivergent and Disabled Children and Young People
Saturday 17th January 2026 Ticketed
Flourish with Ferens is a free monthly artist led session for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people up to the age of 25.
The event will take place: 10:30am – 12noon
Young Artist Open Exhibition 2025
On now until Sunday 11th January 2026
The Young Artist Open exhibition has been held annually at the Ferens Art Gallery since 2003 and celebrates the creative talent of young people in Hull and the surrounding area.
2025 Open Exhibition
On now until Sunday 11th January 2026
2026 Events at the Ferens Art Gallery
Craft and Printmaking Workshops
Winter Wildlife Wonders
Thursday 19th February 2026
Step into a world of creativity and wonder at Ferens Art Gallery this February Half Term.
Discover how animals survive and thrive in the frozen Arctic and create your own polar bear artwork to take home. Explore how different materials can keep you warm in the cold using our digital microscopes and get hands-on with our arctic animal handling objects. Suitable for all ages.
Takes place: 1pm – 3pm
Drop in, free event.
Contemporary Gilding Workshop
with Amelia Bedson
Sunday 1st March 2026 Ticketed, £79
In this day workshop, you will learn about the techniques and equipment that will help you become proficient in the art of contemporary gilding. It is suitable for those with little or no experience of gilding. This workshop is an enjoyable introduction to the technique of contemporary gilding using Dutch Gold leaf and acrylic size (adhesive). This method is the modern variant of traditional oil gilding. What this workshop will demonstrate: An understanding of the difference between pure leaf gold and Dutch gold, and the differences between loose leaf and transfer leaf. A knowledge of the tools and equipment used in Contemporary Gilding and how to use them correctly. The correct procedure for preparing a surface to be gilded How to apply the size (adhesive) in the correct manner How to handle Dutch Gold. Develop the artistic technique of applying the Dutch Gold. Amelia will share her gilding experience relating to the use of the various types of metals, coppers and gold leaf mediums and the properties they each offer. Participants will have the opportunity to gild a 6” x 4” picture frame, a decoration, and a fresh flower. All materials and tools are provided.
All resources are provided.
This event takes place from 11.00am – 3.00pm.
There will be a break for lunch.
Stoneware Sgraffito Vase Workshop with Leafy Lane Pottery
Saturday 21st March 2026 Ticketed, £79
Join the Ferens for a ceramics workshop where you will craft a beautiful stoneware vase from start to finish. This session will guide you through the process of building your vase using the coil method to create a smooth, refined finish. Once your vase takes shape, you’ll explore the art of surface decoration by applying coloured slip and using the sgraffito technique—a decorative method where a design is created by scratching through a layer of coloured slip to reveal the contrasting clay beneath. The name “”sgraffito”” comes from the Italian word sgraffiare, meaning “”to scratch,”” reflecting the technique’s focus on drawing through the slip to create intricate patterns.
Pottery will be taken away for firing and available to collect from Ferens front desk within opening hours between 8th-22nd April.
Any pottery left uncollected after that time will be discarded.
Ropes and Nets
Tuesday 31st March 2026
Ships sailing on the Humber have used rope and netting for thousands of years. Come and find out how rope is made, have a go at fixing a fishing net and make your own wool braids and create your own rope art at Ferens Art Gallery this Easter. Suitable for all ages.
Takes place: 1.00pm – 3.00pm • Free, drop-in
Lacemaking Workshop
with Catherine Lillie
Saturday 25th April 2026 Ticketed, £69
Take your first steps with bobbin lacemaking, now officially classed as an Endangered Craft.
All resources are provided.
This event takes place from 10.15am – 3.45pm.
There will be a break for lunch.
Letter Press Printmaking Workshop
with Adrian Riley
Saturday 23rd May 2026 Ticketed, £69
Create your own art prints responding to artworks in the Ferens Gallery. Using decommissioned wooden letterpress blocks, you’ll be guided in traditional hand-printing techniques to create your own unique word-based art.
All resources are provided.
This event takes place from 10.15am – 3.45pm.
There will be a break for lunch.
Illustration Workshop:
Using Ink & Watercolour
with Hollie Fuller
Saturday 13th June 2026 Ticketed, £69
Step into whimsical worlds with an established professional illustrator. In this playful workshop you’ll develop ink and watercolour techniques to explore scene, character and storytelling.
All resources are provided.
This event takes place from 10.15am – 3.45pm.
There will be a break for lunch.
Botanical Painting Workshop
with Kayliegh Smith
Saturday 27th June 2026 Ticketed, £69
This hands on workshop will introduce you to the key skills and techniques required to make a beautiful botanic painting. From covering ideas development to building style and confidence with paint; each participant will have a plant of choice to study from to produce your own unique nature inspired artwork. Kayliegh Smith is a Hull born artist and illustrator. Her work comprises acrylic painting, ink illustrations. She is inspired by nature’s plant life while taking influence from historical folklore and their shared connection.
All resources are provided.
This event takes place from 10.15am – 3.45pm.
There will be a break for lunch.
Paper Lamps Workshop
with Alex Bennett
Saturday 11th July 2026 Ticketed, £69
Join professional paper artist and illustrator Alex Bennett for a hands-on creative workshop making a 3D paper lamp. In this session, participants will construct a beautifully detailed paper lamp, designed in elegant white paper. All components will be provided, with opportunities to personalise your creation through optional backdrops and architectural additions. The workshop also offers the opportunity to complete simple soldering to install the light source.
Upcoming Events for 2026
Painting Conservation with
The Repair Shop’s Lucia Scalisi
Saturday 7th March 2026 Ticketed, £14.95
Join Lucia Scalisi conservator of easel paintings and expert on the BBC1 programme The Repair Shop for an engaging talk about life as a conservator. In this unique glimpse behind the scenes, Lucia will share some exciting stories and discoveries made during her career in museums and galleries, private practice and abroad. Lucia will also give a short demonstration of egg tempera painting, a technique she uses when conserving old master paintings. There will also be time to put your conservation questions to Lucia.
1.30pm-3.00pm Booking essential
Fixing for the Future
Friday 13th February – Monday 4th May 2026
A painting is not merely an image that can be reproduced in a book, magazine or on a screen. Every picture belonging to the Ferens is a physical object that needs care and expertise to ensure its survival for future generations.
Find out how you can support the gallery to conserve, restore and care for the amazing collections the gallery holds for the city of Hull.
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Behind the Scenes: Curator Tour
Wednesday 25th February 2026. Ticketed, £7.50
Join the Ferens for this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Into the Stores Exhibition and find out more about life as a curator. Learn about the challenges and rewards of working with masterpieces every day and see rarely seen paintings and drawings from the Ferens’ stores. As well as getting up close and personal with works on paper by famous artists such as Rembrandt and William Hogarth, we’ll reveal works by lesser-known artists that deserve to have their stories told. There will also be an opportunity to watch an object handling demonstration along with the chance to discuss the development of the exhibition with the curators.
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Into the Stores
Friday 13th February – Monday 4th May 2026
Explore the stories and secrets behind dozens of works as we bring the collection stores into the public galleries at the Ferens.
Visitors will become curators for the day as they discover what goes on behind the scenes at a busy art gallery. They’ll find out how fragile art works are stored, packed and safely moved as they encounter paintings on racks, in packing cases and out of their frames. As well as exploring ways of displaying pictures to show them to their best advantage, they’ll also discover new ways to interpret them and learn more about the people and stories depicted.
This is also a chance to contribute your views and ideas for the galleries future and learn how you can support the gallery to throw the party of the century as we celebrate our 100th year in 2027.
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Behind the Scenes:
with Paper Conservator
Richard Hawkes
Wednesday 18th March 2026 Ticketed, £7.50
Discover how works on paper are conserved with Richard Hawkes, an experienced paper conservator, who has treated many works on paper from the Ferens permanent collection over the years. Richard is the Founder and Director of Artworks Conservation based in Harrogate. This talk will look back at highlights of a 30-year career in art restoration, conserving watercolours, prints and drawings for museums and institutions. Richard will also reflect on new challenges that paper conservators face as the nature of art on paper and its display changes with the work of contemporary artists. Artists have used paper for hundreds of years to create a diverse range of artworks from preliminary studies to monumental installations.
Pietro Lorenzetti’s
Christ between Saints Paul and Peter;
A Restoration in Context
Thursday 26th March 2026 Ticketed, £7.50
Join the Ferens to discover the science and art of conservation. Larry Keith, Head of the Conservation department at the National Gallery, will talk about a rare and beautiful early Renaissance painting – Christ between Saints Paul and Peter, c.1320 by Sienese artist Pietro Lorenzetti. This panel painting is the oldest work in the Ferens Art Gallery’s permanent collection. It was acquired in 2013 and displayed after conservation for 2017, the year Hull was UK City of Culture. Larry will describe how the conservation treatment took place in the context of other research and how new understanding of some particular aspects of Lorenzetti’s painting technique came to light as the result of these investigations.
Behind the Scenes:
From a Technician’s Perspective
Wednesday 15th April 2026 Ticketed, £7.50
What does an art technician do? Art technicians use huge technical skill to make sure works of art are safely packed, moved, unpacked, installed and deinstalled without damage. A lot of the work takes place behind the scenes – planning a method of install, measuring up, and ensuring the correct equipment is used. Find out exactly what’s involved in this informal talk and demonstration with freelance technician Andrew Quinn.
2.00pm-3.00pm. Booking essential.
The Wonders of Moominvalley
Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September 2026
Image: The Moomins © Moomin Characters™
Celebrate these much-loved stories all summer at
Ferens Art Gallery with the exhibition
“The Wonders of Moominvalley.”
Moomins Family Fun
Saturday 23rd May 2026
Help the gallery celebrate the launch of ‘The Wonders of Moominvalley’ exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery with a day filled of Moomin family fun. Join artists Jemma Brown from Square Peg and artist Jodie Smith from Happy Doodles to make your own Moomin themed dioramas or to try some whimsical Moomin inspired nature printing, and join Hull Libraries for enchanting Moomin storytelling.
Takes place: 11.00a.m. – 3.00p.m.
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Debutots – Moomin storytelling
Friday 5th June 2026 10.15a.m. Ticketed, £6.50
Join Debutots this summer and delve into the world of Moomins at Ferens Art Gallery, as you and your little one is taken on a multi-sensory interactive storytelling adventure!
Debutots is an award-winning service, specialising in running interactive storytelling and dramatic play classes for young children. These engaging and entertaining sessions help to promote children’s confidence, imagination and cognitive development. Suitable for 1-5 years, this storytelling session takes inspiration from Tove Jansson’s iconic Moomin series.
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Indigo Moon- Shadow Puppet Theatre
Wednesday 29th July 2026 11.00a.m. Ticketed, £15
Image credit: Bradford Museums
Join the Ferens for a shadow-puppet making workshop with shadow puppeteer Anna from the acclaimed Indigo Moon Theatre as we celebrate the world of Moomins at Ferens Art Gallery this summer! Anna will guide you through the process of making your own Moomin-inspired shadow puppets out of card in this interactive session.
All materials will be provided. The workshop is recommended for ages 6+. All children must be accompanied by their grown-ups, who are encouraged to have some creative fun too!
At the end of the session, puppets can meet each other and have a play before going home with you for further adventures!
Based in Hull, Indigo Moon Theatre are an award-winning children’s shadow-puppet theatre company that have toured nationally and internationally since 2001.
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My Pockets- Moomins animation workshop with Peter Snelling
Tuesday 11th August 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £15
Join the Ferens Art Gallery this summer as award-winning animators My Pockets help you make your own mini stop-motion animation capturing the magic of Moomins! The team will guide you through the process from start to finish in this interactive workshop, as you create your own animation inspired by Tove Jansson’s iconic stories.
All materials will be provided. This workshop is recommended for children aged 6+, all children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Everyone is welcome and no prior skills or knowledge are required, just fun and creativity needed!
Based in East Yorkshire, My Pockets is an award-winning film production company and arts organisation working across animation, film, music, print and more.
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Shadow Box workshop with Alex Bennett
Wednesday 19 August 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £15
Join professional paper artist and illustrator Alex Bennett at Ferens Art Gallery for this hands-on workshop inspired by the wonderful world of Moomins!
Alex will guide you through the process of making your own shadow-box, cutting out intricate paper designs inspired by Tove Jansson’s iconic stories.
All materials will be provided and you will be able to take your shadow-box home at the end of the session. We would recommend this workshop for ages 6 and above, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Get Lost and Found
Saturday 22nd August 2026 11.00a.m. Ticketed, £10
The gallery is delighted to welcome theatre company “Get Lost and Found” to the Ferens Art Gallery this summer, presenting: Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley. Based on the much-loved Moominland novels by Tove Jansson, this gentle heart-warming show tells the story of a year in Moominvalley. Moomintroll wakes up in the middle of winter with a “something- wrong -feeling”. There’s no sign of his good friend Snufkin, or the note Snufkin left him. As winter turns to Spring Snufkin returns, the days lengthen into a lazy summer and “the sea brings them all the adventures they could wish for”. Autumn barges in and Snufkin leaves once more for the Lonely Mountains.
Each section of the story has an interactive element; audience members have a snowball fight, toast marshmallows around a fire and go sea-swimming. The characters of Moomintroll, Snufkin, Little My and Thingummy & Bob are brought to life with 2D rod puppets and life size 3D puppets. The show uses beautiful original music and songs, and pre-recorded narration. The iconic Tove Jansson illustrations are recreated in a magical pop up book.
The show was created in consultation with Sophia Jansson, Tove’s niece, and echoes the books’ themes: the love of nature, the value of friendship, the pain of separation and the acceptance of difference.
The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour
Image: Claude Monet The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil 1872 Oil on canvas, 52.6 x 71.8 cm
© The National Gallery, London
Friday 19th June – Sunday 13th September 2026
Free, drop-in
Monet’s masterpiece, The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872), will go on display at the gallery as part of The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2025 – 27. The artwork will form part of an exhibition co-curated with Flourish, Ferens Art Gallery’s creative group for children and young people, organised with and for disabled and neurodivergent visitors. Together, they will create a multi-sensory immersive space that is an olfactory, acoustic and tactile experience.
Click on the link below for further details:
What’s on – Hull Museums and Galleries
Six Hull Personalities –
Hull History Hour Talk
Saturday 7th February 2026 1.00p.m.
Ticketed, £5.00
Join local historian Paul Schofield to discover the story of six Hull personalities. The talk will explore the stories of famous Hull personalities Amy Johnson, Andrew Marvell, William Wilberforce, Thomas Ferens, Mick Ronson and Dorothy Mackaill.
Booking essential – Click on the link below:
Six Hull Personalities – Hull History Hour Talk – Hull Museums and Galleries
20 Historical Women
Who Changed The World
Friday 13th February – Sunday 12th April 2026
Join Streetlife Museum for a bold and colourful exhibition in the Museums Quarter this Spring, as they celebrate the lives of twenty historical women who changed the world, spanning from the 1500’s to the present day. A collection of works by Doncaster-based artist Chinwe Russell will be on display, depicting well-known modern and historical figures from Marie Curie and Zaha Hadid to Florence Nightingale, in addition to images of many lesser-known women whose achievements continue to shape our daily lives.
Free, drop-in
Old Town Pubs –
Hull History Hour Talk
Saturday 7th March 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £5.00
Join local historian Paul Schofield to discover the story of some of Hull’s old town pubs. The talk will take a look at some of Hull’s most interesting and historic pubs – their origins, names, architecture and anecdotes.
Booking essential.
The Lost Village of Drypool –
Hull History Hour Talk
Saturday 4th April 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £5.00
Join local historian and YouTuber Jamie Topliss-Yates (aka Hull History Nerd) to discover the history of the lost village of Drypool.
The talk will explore the history of a small rural village that was swallowed and absorbed by growing, industrial Hull through the 19th and early 20th century, and how its past was unearthed by Humber Field Archaeology in 2024!
There will also be an opportunity at the end of the talk for a Q&A.
Booking essential.
The Railways and Hull –
Hull History Hour Talk
Saturday 2nd May 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £5.00
Join local historian and YouTuber Jamie Topliss-Yates (aka Hull History Nerd) to discover the Lost Railways of Holderness. The talk will explore the impact of the railways on Britain, its industry, communication and social life. There will also be an opportunity at the end of the talk for a Q&A.
Booking essential.
Wyke-upon-Hull –
Hull History Hour Talk
Saturday 6th June 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £5.00
Join local historian and YouTuber Jamie Topliss-Yates (aka Hull History Nerd) to discover the story of Wyke-upon-Hull. The talk will explore the birth and growth of Hull and its growing importance through its early years and the industrial revolution. There will also be an opportunity at the end of the talk for a Q&A.
Booking essential.
The History of Hull’s Docks –
Hull History Hour Talk
Saturday 4th July 2026 1.00p.m. Ticketed, £5.00
Join local historian and YouTuber Jamie Topliss-Yates (aka Hull History Nerd) to discover the history of Hull’s Docks.
The talk will take you on a whistlestop tour of the Hull Dock Company, the fishing industry and Hull’s role as one of the UK’s major ports through much of its history.
There will also be an opportunity at the end of the talk for a Q&A.
Booking essential
THE FRIENDS OF THE FERENS ART GALLERY
Please click the link below to view a detailed explanation of the Friends and the role of the Friends Trustees
FoFAG structure 3-fold contacts
