The five best arts events to enjoy this April

From Disney’s influences to a Cornish artist enclave, discover something new this month

Edward Reginald Frampton, When the sun to westward sinks and bathes all things in gold, 1896

Discover the history of a forgotten artist enclave

While St Ives is usually the first name on people’s lips regarding Modernist Cornwall, a new exhibition at Falmouth Art Gallery tells of the rather more forgotten history of Polperro, a beautiful seaside village that was considered a leading art centre in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. Curated by Cornish art historian David Tovey, it features not only works by British artists but those who visited from Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. A highlight is a newly restored work by Mouat Loudan called Fish Sale, Polperro, which was shown at the 1888 Royal Academy exhibition to much acclaim.  

Polperro: Cornwall’s Forgotten Art Centre, 2 April–18 June

falmouthartgallery.com

Image: CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collections

Experience The Burrell Collection anew

Following a major refurbishment, Glasgow’s Burrell Collection is open once more, with larger exhibition spaces and an environmentally focused mindset. Originally amassed by industrialist Sir William Burrell, the collection features incredible objects from throughout Europe and Asia, including the Wagner Garden Carpet, one of the earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world. What is more, the museum is set within the stunning grounds of Pollock Park, making it the perfect place to visit on a spring day. 

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow, now open

burrellcollection.com

See South African artists collaborate on stage

For a limited three-night run, South African artist William Kentridge introduces a production in two parts at the Barbican. The multidisciplinary performance includes projections, film, animation and live music, including the chamber opera Waiting for the Sibyl. He has worked in collaboration with acclaimed choral composer and performer Nhlanhla Mahlangu, as well as composer Kyle Shepherd, one of South Africa’s leading progressive pianists, to bring his vision to life.

SIBYL, by William Kentridge, Barbican Theatre, 22–24 April 

barbican.org.uk

Lisa Keene and Kyle Strawitz, Rapunzel on a swing, CGI test for Tangled (2010), 2008 Film frame, Walt Disney Animation Research Library © Disney

Discover Disney’s influences

See the original inspiration for some of Walt Disney’s most fantastical designs with this exhibition focused on his connection to the French decorative arts. It features original hand-drawn animations seen alongside the objects that inspired them, from a Sevres vase that inspired stunning castles to the clocks and candelabras that became key characters in Beauty and the Beast. 

Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts, at The Wallace Collection

6 April–16 October

wallacecollection.org

Polly Edsell, Sea Bed

Support Ukraine with Art on a Postcard

This special auction in collaboration with curator and gallerist India Rose James has been organised in support of Choose Love’s Ukrainian appeal. The organisation ‘does whatever it takes’ to aid refugees and displaced people, whether it be legal advice or sourcing rescue boats. The auction includes a whole host of artists such as Alma Berrow, Danny Fox and Olivia Sterling, all of whom have created an original work of art, with starting bids at just £50.

Art on a Postcard auction, 7–21 April, online via Dreweatts and on show at Soho Revue

artonapostcard.com