'The Poetry Of Drawing'

'Love Leading the Pilgrim- Study of Birds': a charming study by Edward Burne-Jones (date unclear, possibly 1880's?). Black and white chalks with crayon on light brown paper. 

For anyone with an interest in the work of the Pre-raphaelites there is a fascinating online resource available which gives access to hundreds of paintings, studies & sketches held by the Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery (BMAG), many of which are not on regular display: Preraphalites.org 

Later this month BMAG will host, 'The Poetry of Drawing' exhibition at the Gas Hall (29th January - 15th May 2011). A great opportunity to study some of this lesser seen work. Sometimes drawing is dismissed as having less importance than painting, however, this exhibition focuses on how important drawing, sketching and design work were to the art of the Pre-raphaelites. As well as works on paper there will be textiles, ceramics and stained glass on show.
After your visit, if you feel like seeing more Pre-raphaelite stained glass you could always take a short stroll to St Philip's (Birmingham Cathedral) and admire the windows by Burne-Jones. 

 

'Study of Ivy on an old Fence Post' by Frederick Sandys 1858