Surrealism: A Day of Talks
BSLAbout Surrealism: A Day of Talks
Day of conversations exploring the legacy of Emmy Bridgwater and her influence on other artistic practices.
Bringing together artists, writers and curators, the programme examines Bridgwater’s impact - from her role in the Birmingham Surrealist Group to the resonance of her work in projects such as Surreal Solihull, as well as in contemporary artistic practice. Lunch included.
A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter can be provided. Please contact us at info@macbirmingham.co.uk at least 10 working days in advance of the event to request a BSL interpreter.
Organised in connection to Emmy Bridgwater and Birmingham Surrealists, open in our First Floor Gallery from Sat 24 October 2026 - Sun 10 January 2027, and Surreal Solihull, open in our Arena Gallery from Wed 16 September - Sun 22 November 2026.
Image: Emmy Bridgwater, Have you laid any eggs to-day chucky?, c. 1940s, ink on paper, 21 x 30 cm, courtesy The Mayor Gallery, London
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 11am | Introduction by artist Lucy Orta, Emmy Bridgwater’s great-niece |
| 11.15am | Ruth Millington, curator of Surreal Solihull in conversation with exhibiting artists Paul Newman, Hazel Pitt and Abigail Villarroel |
| 12.15pm | Coffee break |
| 12.25pm | Deborah Kermode, MAC’s Artistic Director and CEO, in conversation with contemporary artists featured in the Emmy Bridgwater and Birmingham Surrealists exhibition: Laura Footes and Paloma Proudfoot |
| 1.25pm | Lunch (included with ticket purchase) |
| 2pm | Lecture by Dr Silvano Levy, academic, author and specialist in Surrealism, whose publications include Surrealism of Angst: Emmy Bridgwater, followed by a Q&A |
| 2.45pm | Panel discussion with Dr Lisa Rull, Christine Hourdé (Director, The Mayor Gallery) and Ruth Millington, chaired by Roma Piotrowska, curator of Emmy Bridgwater and Birmingham Surrealists and MAC’s Senior Curator |
| 3.30pm | Event ends - the exhibition Emmy Bridgwater and Birmingham Surrealists will remain open until 5pm, if you would like to explore it at your own pace. |
Booking info
To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.
