Manchester Art Gallery

Join guide, Richard, who will consider aspects of the life and legacy of 19th Century African American actor Ira Aldridge. Using research in the Manchester Art Gallery archives, recently published literature, personal reflection and conversations with contemporary artists. Starting with this single portrait, painted in 1826 by James Northcote, Richard will explore some of the histories associated with its creation, the identity and life story of its subject. It is one of the images that is most identifiable with the gallery. It was the very first art work to be purchased by, what was then called, the Manchester Institution for the Promotion of Literature, Science and the Arts in 1827.  Following some time allocated to group questions and discussion Richard will look at how the life and work of Ira Aldridge continues to influence and inspire contemporary work both in the theatre and visual arts.

Manchester Art Gallery has an amazing team of volunteer guides who deliver tours at the gallery usually four times a week.

While we can’t gather people together physically for tours at this time, the team will be delivering online sessions twice a month using Zoom.

Future dates:

Saturdays 4 – 5pm

June 20th ( MAG Unlocked Ira Aldridge – a Question of Identity )

July 4th and 18th

August 1st and 15th

Using Zoom

We will be using the platform Zoom to bring people together – click here for the  Zoom link

You can access zoom through a laptop, tablet or smart phone, just something that has a camera and mic. You don’t need to create an account to access the session.

Want to join in?

To book onto this MAG unlocked session please book through Eventbrite

You will be emailed a link just before the start of the session.