As taking time to relax and enjoy nature is considered more crucial to one’s good health and wellbeing than ever before, we are pleased to launch its new programme, promoting wellness and rejuvenation. Following the success of ‘Periods: A Brief Jaunt Up North’, a new revitalising season of art, events and activities, Tranquillity Season which is here now until July 17.
As a real coup for Leeds, and as the season’s headline installation, we have partnered with The Wellcome Collection to bring their touring exhibition ‘Regarding Forests’ to our pop-up exhibition space. Regarding Forests evokes an atmosphere of tranquillity and provides visitors with a space to rest and relax. Visitors will learn about photographer Chrystel Lebas’ travels to the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington State, USA, and the Japanese island of Yakushima, known for its cedars. Translating the sublime power of these ancient forests, Lebas’ installation seeks to provide a restorative encounter that reminds us of our reliance on the natural world.
Lebas’ photographs are set to be accompanied by a soundscape composed with the noises of birds, monkeys and wind recorded on location. The installation is complemented with a scent of petrichor that evokes the smell of the forest floor after it has rained.
Another event, set to be a highlight of the season, will be ‘On the Trail of Tranquillity – Professional Connections’, a series of themed walks in the Beckett Street Cemetery and hosted by Balbir Singh Dance Company. Experience seekers will be able to see the cemetery in a new light as it is highlighted as a place for peace and wellbeing.
May’s half term holiday will also provide an opportunity for kids to get involved in Tranquillity Season with a series of fun family activities including ‘Pop-Up Potions’ and a journey to ‘Wish Forest’.
You can find more information about each event over on our ‘Whats On section’ and we recommend you book on to the walks ASAP.
Dr. Ruth Quinn, Programme Curator, Thackray Museum of Medicine said: “Finding space for tranquillity in our lives is so important for our well-being. There’s no better place to find it than in our woods and green spaces. At Thackray, we know it’s not easy to find nature in our urban environment so, in collaboration with Wellcome, we’ve tried to bring a bit of the forest into the heart of Leeds through our Tranquillity season.
Regarding Forests brings the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest into our gallery. The Trail of Tranquillity will introduce people to the hidden green space of Beckett Street Cemetery. Pop-up Potions and our Wish Forest family activities will show children the many treatments and medicine that we get from plants. We’re also asking people to send us pictures of where they find tranquillity, which we’ll display as part of an exhibition here at the museum.
By visiting our Tranquillity season, we hope that people will learn more about the benefits the natural world has for our health and will get out and explore their own places of tranquillity.”
