One of the most loved paintings in The Courtauld Gallery’s collection, Antibes by the Impressionist artist Claude Monet, formed the centrepiece of a new exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery, Hull in May 2021.

The exhibition was entirely curated by local young people in the Future Ferens group and focused on the importance of mindfulness and reflection in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It was designed to give visitors – both to the gallery and online – the space in which to reflect on the artworks on display and enjoy them in a calming environment.

Artworks from the Ferens’ permanent collection were also on display, including works by Walter Richard Sickert, Philip Wilson Steer, Derwent Lees, Beatrice Bright and Barbara Hepworth. Many of these pieces have never been displayed together before.

The exhibition and accompanying creative works by young people in Hull are available to view on the project website, including a virtual tour, poems, new music, soundscapes and blogs.

During the exhibition we held online events, these can be viewed on You Tube using the links below:

Open Courtauld Hour: Musical Interludes

Monet in Mind: Curators in Conversation

The following images capture the process of engaging young people in curating the exhibition and the final display.