Party poppers hit the spot at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

Inspired by party poppers, Spiral Spot was created by artist Julia Snowdin, who collaborated with children at the gallery's weekly Mini Explorers and Mini Makers sessions for the under-fives to test and contribute ideas to the design.

The installation's seven, sequentially sized arches ascend from a circular base into a brightly coloured spiral, mimicking the moment a party popper pops.

Designed with interactivity in mind, Spiral Spot encourages children to explore and play creatively, with benches set between every other arch offering a place to sit down, relax and reflect.

Julia - who specialises in creating playful, interactive, outdoor installations for families - said she wanted to create a welcoming spot in the heart of the town centre for people to come together to explore, learn and discover.

"I wanted the installation to have a celebratory feel to mark Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's 25th birthday and the arches swirl together to create the effect of a party popper going off," Julia said.

"The curved arches also take inspiration from the shape of the gallery building and the handlebars of the velocipede on display in the History of Rugby in 50 Objects exhibition.

"I want children to really explore the artwork, tunnelling, hiding, peeking, hopping and skipping" Julia added.

"Playing imagination games and learning through creativity - a completely interactive experience which introduces children to the world of art which awaits in the gallery next door."

Spiral Spot was commissioned for Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's 25th anniversary celebrations in 2025.

The anniversary programme included a number of special exhibitions and a Big Birthday Bash, which saw hundreds of visitors descend on the venue for a free family party.

Phoebe Hilton, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior learning and engagement officer, said: "We were looking for an outdoor, interactive sculptural installation to appeal to families and the under-fives, an artwork which embraced our ethos of 'learn, enjoy, create and discover'.

"Spiral Spot surpassed our expectations, encouraging young children to explore and play within a work of art, right on the doorstep of the art gallery and museum."

Julia Snowdin visits Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday (30 May) to officially launch Spiral Spot, located next to the venue by the path which leads to the Percival Guildhouse.

To celebrate the launch, a free play session for children aged two-years-old and over takes place from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "We're looking forward to the big 'reveal' of Spiral Spot this weekend and watching children explore the installation during its debut play session.

"Working with children who attend the art gallery's Mini Explorers and Mini Makers sessions, Julia has created a colourful, eye-catching sculpture which encourages interaction and imaginative play, a perfect addition to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum." 

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, added: "The spirals and hoops will ignite children's imaginations and encourage more exploration of the installation.

"This will also inspire more children to explore all Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has to offer."

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