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Audio art: Utterly in the picture

Join us for an audio-described talk and music performance based on different paintings in the collection
Date
Various dates
  • Tuesday, 10 June 2025
  • Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Time
1 - 2 pm (drop-in)
For blind and partially sighted

About

These sessions combine a detailed audio description of a Gallery painting, led by Gallery Educator Katy Tarbard, with a new piece of music, composed and performed by cellist Nina Plapp.  

The sessions have been designed for blind and partially sighted visitors, but we welcome everyone to experience paintings on this multi-dimensional level.  

Sessions are held seated in front of the painting. Please meet in the advertised room or meet 15 minutes before the start of the talk in the Sainsbury Wing Foyer to be guided to the room. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.  

To discuss any additional access requirements, please email education@nationalgallery.org.uk

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey
Date
Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Join Katy Tarbard and Nina Plapp for an audio-described talk and musical performance based on Paul Delaroche’s dramatic retelling of the final moments of England’s doomed nine-day queen, Lady Jane Grey.

Through words and music, composed especially for this session, we will explore and bring this painting to life.

Image: Detail from Paul Delaroche, 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey', 1833

Bacchus and Ariadne

Bacchus and Ariadne
Date
Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Join Katy Tarbard and Nina Plapp for an audio-described talk and musical performance based on Titian’s painting of love at first sight.

Through words and music, composed especially for this session, we will explore and bring this painting to life.

Image: Titian, 'Bacchus and Ariadne' (detail), 1520-3 © The National Gallery, London

Katy Tarbard

Katy Tarbard has over 20 years of teaching and programming experience in gallery education departments, working to connect visitors of all ages with their love of artworks. Her areas of interest include the history of the National Gallery Collection and its methods of display. Her favourite artists include Titian, Turner and Van Gogh.

Nina Plapp

Nina is a composer and cellist from the UK, she studied Cello Performance at Trinity College of Music (LABAN) London. She composes for theatre, dance and mixed media projects and has had her music performed in the USA, China and the UK. She is the winner of the 'journey of a lifetime award' and produced a radio documentary for the BBC charting her musical adventure, exploring the music heritage of gypsy communities from Rajasthan to Romania. 

Nina has performed with major international artists including Rox, Angie Brown (Fatboy Slim, Bizzare inc.) Alison David (Red Snapper), supported The Charlatans and The Flaming Lips, and was a regular player for Tam Wing Lun on his stadium tours. 

Nina has also performed her music live on Midweek (BBC Radio 4) and composes for her own folk band 'Blue Slipper Music' who can be heard on BBC introducing. 

Talks & conversations

Audio art: Utterly in the picture

Join us for an audio-described talk and music performance based on different paintings in the collection
Date
Various dates
  • Tuesday, 10 June 2025
  • Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Time
1 - 2 pm (drop-in)
For blind and partially sighted

Free, drop-in sessions

Places are available on a first come, first served basis with priority given to blind and partially sighted visitors.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. 

Please arrive in good time to access the building and find the advertised room.

Please view our Access page for more information