Now this is a quirky one for those of you with kids. This autumn, the always enjoyable Dulwich Picture Gallery is set to partner with Pushkin Press to host its first ever children’s sleepover. Yes, really.
So what’s the skinny? Well, Pillows and Paintbrushes promises to take 7–13 year olds on “an exciting night-time adventure”. After an evening of creative activities and storytelling, kids can enjoy a special night’s sleep in the company of the gallery’s Old Masters – parents in tow, of course.
The focus for the evening will be the world of the best-selling American children’s classic From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler, recently re-published by Pushkin in the UK.
The organisers plan to bring to life the adventures of the book’s young characters Claudia and Jamie Kincaid, who run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York where they become involved in a mystery that leads them to the “remarkable” Mrs Frankweiler.
During the evening, children will be able to pay a visit to the house of Mrs Frankweiler and listen to her tales, explore the mysteries of the gallery with a special trail and make their own autographed book bag to take home, all whilst experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of one of south London’s best galleries after hours. It’s then lights out for a shut-eye like no other, alongside baroque masters including Rembrandt and Canaletto. Yup, it really is that surreal.
The following morning? Well, what else could your little darlings want but to gorge on a healthy breakfast – over a screening of a film adaptation of the book, before the gallery opens to the public once again. Ahhh.