Lady Dorothie's War inspires Big Draw

The free event on Saturday 15 October offers visitors the chance to get creative and give drawing a try, with a range of artistic activities inspired by the venue's latest exhibition, Lady Dorothie's War.

Lady Dorothie, the daughter of the Earl of Denbigh, left the family estate in Newnham Paddox, near Rugby, in 1914 to serve on the frontline in Flanders.

Working as an ambulance driver ferrying wounded soldiers from the heat of battle to clearing hospitals, Lady Dorothie's bravery was honoured when she became one of the first women to receive a Military Medal from the British Army.

The Big Draw celebrates her heroism with a host of activities inspired by the exhibition, including the chance to draw actors in First World War costume.

Visitors can join artist Michaela McMillan to make and decorate medals to take home, and use a wide range of materials to create giant drawings with the gallery team.

Artist Shaheen Ahmed takes inspiration from Lady Dorothie's letters from the frontline to host mark-making sessions, where visitors can create art with black ink, water and paper, while younger visitors can enjoy colouring in, face painting (charge applies) and much more.

The Big Draw runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum from 11am to 3.30pm.

Cllr Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said: "Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's annual Big Draw celebration always proves popular and this year's programme of activities caters for all ages and artistic abilities.

"It's also a great opportunity to discover the remarkable story of Lady Dorothie Feilding and the heroic role she played in the Great War."

The Big Draw has become the world's largest drawing festival since the inaugural event took place in 2000. It was launched by the Campaign for Drawing, now called The Big Draw, an arts education charity which promotes visual literacy and drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention.

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's Big Draw event in 2014 was 'highly commended' at the national Big Draw Awards.

For more information about events and exhibitions at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk.