Unfriendly Dulwich Picture Gallery

[Belle]

I went today (to DPG) with my nearly 3yr old, 5.5 yr old and my mum and her friend. I was planning on sticking to the gardens while the other 2 adults did the exhibition but the staff encouraged the children to go in, and were very welcoming. I went in with some trepidation - am very conscious that my kids are basically NOT gallery-friendly but I knew my older son at least would get something out of it - which he did. My younger son was happy to have a quick look round in the buggy, and the minute he started getting shouty (to get out) we took it in turns to run around in the gardens with him. On two occasions he ran back into the gallery - through the shop and the exhibition - which I was obviously trying to avoid, but I must say every single member of staff was lovely and so understanding. I wouldn't try the cafe as from experience I don't find it so suited to younger kids but obviously the park cafe is really nearby so we retreated there later. I did keep expecting to be told off, but it never happened, and the other visitors were very smiley and nice. Like most parents I'm hyper-aware and do worry about my kids impinging on others' experiences of things like galleries, but I felt like we struck the right balance today, with the help of the staff. I really wasn't expecting to see any of the exhibition myself, so it was a real bonus. Again, not invalidating what other posters have said, just thought it's worth posting a positive experience.

[hpsaucey]

actuarygi Wrote:

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> Well, I can't agree with DullwichVillage Lady.

>

> Objectively, we are not dealing with a situation

> where children swamps the entire gallery everyday

> of the year. We are talking about a gallery that

> receives some children sometimes, more so in the

> holiday and weekend, and there would be only a

> small number of them who may be running around and

> disturbing the peace. Has our community become so

> intolerant, as DulwichVillagelady would have it,

> that all children should not be welcome in the

> gallery anymore ? The gallery is not here for the

> exclusive pleasure of adults in the 21st century.

>

>

> Sure, parents should supervise their children

> while they visit. I think it is equally important

> for us adults to learn to tolerate and to remember

> that we once were children.

actuarygi - DullwichVilllageLady is a troll....

[EKSM]

Thank you all for your contributions. I work at the Dulwich Picture Gallery so it is very useful to read through and have the opportunity to respond as well as feed back to the Gallery.

It is certainly our ethos to try and encourage visitors of any age at all times so we apologise if you do not feel this apparent on your visit. We currently offer a children?s trail as well as colouring pencils and paper free of charge to help children get the most out of their visit (please ask at the ticket desk and a Gallery Assistant will be glad to help you with this).

However, we do have to balance this approach with our duty of care towards our works of art, a balance that we are striving to get right for all visitors. Rucksacks have caused problems in the past with visitors being unaware of brushing past paintings behind them. All Gallery Assistants are asked to be vigilant and politely ask all visitors to carry rucksacks by hand or use the free lockers provided. Gallery Assistants are members of staff and we try to ensure that they are equipped to approach all visitors as individuals with differing needs. In the case of Lyndsey&Murray carrying the rucksack was understandably difficult. Did the Assistant on hand offer the use of our free lockers in the entrance way as an alternative?

We are constantly striving to improve the experience for our visitors but sometimes we may fall short of the mark. Please do continue to visit the Gallery and give us your feedback to help us improve our service. If you would like to send a more detailed comment please email [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you all at the Gallery in the future. We are now also planning an open day for visitors to feedback to us in person. I will be creating a new post on the forum with detailed information shortly.

Ellie Manwell

Head of Communications