Explorations: Brick By Brick – International Lego Brick Art

Hi Loves!

I can’t wait to share this post with you all this evening. One thing I think unites us all is Lego. I haven’t met anyone yet who doesn’t know what it is or hasn’t had any experience of Lego. You may remember a post a few years ago now where there was another Lego exhibition in Hull – Brick History. That was so cool and used Lego to create different sculptures and scenes. Brick By Brick is an exhibition currently held at Ferens Art Gallery which brings together work by a whole host of international artists, designers and photographers who use Lego as their medium or inspiration.

As well as a range of differing artists, there’s also a huge variety of sculptures, pictures, jewellery and constructions. The humble Lego block is just the starting point to create a range of eclectic masterpieces. Each piece is thought provoking and sometimes humorous. I found myself thinking and contemplating a whole host of things when I was viewing the exhibition. The ‘Stop Wars’ piece is one of my favourites for its message but I also found the image below, ‘Dangerous CORNer’ hilarious.

I also felt incredibly inspired and in awe of the sculptures too. In the centre of the gallery is a stunning female piece. I can only imagine how many hours, let alone the number of pieces of Lego used to create it. It’s quite overwhelming in a way. The close up on the head shows you the detail involved in this piece. She takes centre stage so you have to look at her when you enter the gallery.

My favourite piece though includes one of my favourite things: food. Aptly named ‘Popcorn Time’, this huge model of a popcorn tub and popcorn pieces literally brought a smile to my face. There’s something incredible about seeing small Lego pieces but seeing them ginormous is also really cool! This is such a playful piece – perfect for younger audiences too!

Useful Information:
If you’re interested in seeing this exhibition, it will be on display in Ferens Art Gallery, Hull from 28th May – 11th September 2022. You can find out more information here so you can plan your visit. Also, check out a gallery near you because this will be travelling!

Who doesn’t love Lego? You never know, with the interactive parts of the exhibition, you too may be inspired to create your own pieces using Lego at home. All I know is, Lego seems to be a universal thing and it really has united us all together in the world of play and creativity, not just in a child’s world. Lego is perfect for adults too!

Have you ever created anything with Lego? I hope this little snapshot into this exhibition has brought you a little joy on this Tuesday evening, like it did me.

Big Love all xxx

Hull’s Alternative Heritage Plaques

Morning Beautiful People!

First of all, I’M FREE! No more marking, no more school and finally summer is here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely exhausted but at least another academic year is over. I hope all you lovely people are well and are enjoying the weekend.

Today I wanted to share with you a little discovery I’ve made in Hull. My previous post was about my birthday meal and walking home from there I passed a quirky blue sign. Hull has numerous heritage signs all around the city, but this one was ‘alternative’.

I researched into this and was absolutely amazed! I spent a couple of nights this week going round Hessle, the city centre and Newland Avenue to find more.

Firstly, some background information. The original Heritage Plaques, produced by English Heritage, originated in London from 1866. They celebrate notable figures and the buildings they lived or worked in. However, there was strict rules into obtaining one of these blue plaques. So, a local company, Drunk Animal Creative Studio created these plaques to celebrate the people of Hull who make up its beating heart now.

“The weird, the wonderful, the obscure, the fascinating stories and facts that permeate every street and every community in the city are now celebrated through out Alternative Heritage plaques.”

Clearly, this was going to be an opportunity for explorations. I started off dashing to Hessle for a food related sign. The heart wants what the heart wants, after all.

Then I drove back to the centre of down and had a mile and a half walk to locate the following, including finding the studio where these gems are created.

These were in the local shopping centre to celebrate the amazing Bee Lady, parks, on pub walls and on the wall by the always busy A63. As you can see, they celebrate the every day, the people in our community now.

The second evening where I went exploring was the other side of Hull really, around the Drypool Bridge area. Here I found links to mathematicians, food inventors (that can only be found in the city) and the controversial sporting decisions.

My final little walk was along Newland Avenue. I used to spend a lot of time down here at a student. It is down here that one of my favourite signs is. I’ll leave you to work out which one it is!

There’s 22 of these plaques in and around Hull so I guess I consider this part one. It’s become a bit of an obsession of mine to try and find them all. If I accidentally bump into you because I’m looking on walls instead of in front of me, you’ll at least know why.

I love everything about this. Hull has a deep and rich history, something which it’s residents are adding to daily. This is like something I’ve never seen before and it is awesome. Time to start researching where the next ones will take me!

Lastly, I hope you all have a fantastic summer. I’ll be catching up on everything I’ve missed – both commenting on your amazing posts and catching up with my own. My little blog has been a bit neglected but I’ll be back on it! I’ve also got some more books to hide for Left & Found this weekend too.

Big love all! Xx