Fun at Home

An image whether an illustration in a book or a painting on the wall is immediate; they stimulate the imagination and promote creativity. Images and the questions sparked from them can be used for many things from generating discussions to acting as a prompt for a creative writing piece.

      

Here at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery we have a vast collection of art work including pieces by Hertfordshire Artist Theodor Kern. Kern was born in Salzburg in 1900. He studied at the Vienna Academy Art School and later in Paris and Italy. He settled in England permanently in 1938. When he died, his paintings were shared among several museums, Wardown being one of them. His paintings demonstrate a variety of styles and subjects. Paris played an important role in Theodor Kern’s artistic and spiritual development. As a young man, he was strongly influenced by French artists such as Cézanne and Gauguin, and when he became restless and unhappy the city served as a symbol of the artist’s ‘passionate desire to enjoy life, becoming the location for the spiritual crisis that had such a profound impact on Kern’s art, and his life.
 

What's Involved?

We challenge you to use Theodor Kern's 1931 painting titled French Café pictured below as a stimulus to get the ink flowing in your writing pens.
- What do you think happened prior to this image?
- What happened just after this moment was captured?
- Who is that lady in the background?
- What is the relationship between the couple in the foreground?

Let your imagination run wild, and the artwork do the talking. We can't wait to read your stories!

WHY GET INVOLVED?

A great activity during lockdown, particularly for those that are shielding
An expressive and creative output for your thoughts
Humour us and others with your imagination and creativity
Enhance your knowledge of our collection and learn about Theodor Kern and his work
Inspire others to pick up a pen and paper and write
Have the chance for your work to be published in our 'Memories of Lockdown' publication
Just for fun

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Step 1: Sign into your Museum Maker account or sign up here

Step 2: Accept the challenge so we know youre supporting us

Step 3: Pick up a pen or pencil and let your creative words flow, inspired by this stunning painting

Step 4: Send your piece to the museum makers team here so we can enjoy it too.