RUGBY is wearing its unique heritage on its sleeve during the Rugby World Cup, thanks to three exhibitions running at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum during the tournament-long Enjoy Rugby Festival. We sent our photographer along for a look.
An exhibition opened by acclaimed sculptor Graham Ibbeson provides a unique insight into the creation of his bronze William Webb Ellis statue, which has stood outside Rugby School for nearly 20 years.
Original drawings, photographs and models by Ibbeson – famous for creating statues of Eric Morecambe, Les Dawson, Benny Hill, Fred Trueman and Dickie Bird – give a unique glimpse of the sculptor’s creative process at the exhibition.
Ibbeson visits the gallery on Saturday (October 3) to give a free talk about his work, starting at 2pm. Book in advance at [email protected] or on (01788) 533217.
Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Open Exhibition is showcasing 21 painting, drawing, film, textiles, ceramics and sculpture works themed around rugby football, created by local artists. Also featured is artist Ravi Deepres’ new film The Gain Line.
The history of the sport in the town it is named after is the subject of Rugby Football in Rugby Borough: Local Club History.
Historical objects such as club shirts, ties, photographs and trophies donated by rugger clubs in the borough tell the story of the game in its home town.
Visit visit www.ragm.co.uk for more information.
Enjoy Rugby Festival Events, Thu Oct 3-Wed Oct 7
- Thu Oct 1: WALES v FIJI (4.45pm), FRANCE v CANADA (8pm). Rugby Fanzone
- Fri Oct 2: Sewa Fare with Ballet Nimba. Rugby Village, 7.30pm
- Sat Oct 3: SAMOA v JAPAN (2.30pm), SOUTH AFRICA v SCOTLAND (4.45pm), ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA (8pm). Rugby Fanzone
- Sun Oct 4: The Secret of Kells (11am), ARGENTINA v TONGA (2.30pm), IRELAND v ITALY (4.45pm). Rugby Fanzone
- Mon Oct 5: Flying Balls with Paul Grayson. Rugby Village, 2pm and 7pm
- Tue Oct 6: The Stories Behind Goalposts. Rugby Village, 7pm
- Wed Oct 7: SOUTH AFRICA v USA (4.45pm), NAMIBIA v GEORGIA (8pm). Rugby Fanzone
Visit www.enjoyrugby.co.uk for more information.
